Hierarchically magnetic Ni–Al binary layered double hydroxides: towards tunable dual electro/magneto-stimuli performances

Abstract

Ni–Al layered double hydroxides (Ni–Al LDHs) are adopted as an electrorheological (ER) material ascribed to their special layered structure, ample polarizable groups and good dispersibility. The magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) are utilized as classical magnetorheological (MR) materials on account of their excellent paramagnetic property. In this work, we report the rational design of high-performance ER/MR materials by integrating the structural merits of Fe3O4 NPs onto a binary layered structure system. The obtained Fe3O4/Ni–Al LDH NCs dispersed in silicone oil displayed appealing dual ER/MR performances. The work opens a new path toward novel stimuli-responsive materials for industrial applications.