Double Hydroxide Particles Research Articles

Spindle-Shaped Ni-Fe-Layered Double Hydroxide: Effect of Etching Time on Flexible Energy Storage.

The rising demand for efficient energy storage in flexible electronics is driving the search for materials that are well-suited for the fabrication of these devices. Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs) stand out as a remarkable material with a layered structure that embodies exceptional electrochemical properties. In this study, both double-shelled and single-shelled NiFe-Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) particles are prepared using spindle-shaped MIL-101(Fe) as the template. These NiFe-LDH particles are then utilized to develop a flexible energy storage device. Transmission electron microscopy(TEM) analysis revealed that the as-synthesized NiFe-LDH particles transformed into hollow single-shells from a double-shelled structure as the aging time increased, which significantly influenced the electrochemical performances. Despite the decreasing specific capacitance and energy density with longer etching times, the sample etched for 2h (NiFe-LDH 2h) demonstrated the highest capacitance of 9.24 mF·cm⁻2 and an energy density of 0.46 µW·h·cm⁻2, highlighting its promising performance for energy storage applications. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis revealed the highest Ni2+: Ni3+ ratio, and Fe: Ni ratio for NiFe- LDH 2h samples, which further influences the energy storage properties. The ability to maintain the high performance of these materials across different bending angles further emphasizes its versatility and relevance in emerging flexible electronics markets.

Moisture Absorption and Mechanical Degradation of Polymer Systems Incorporated with Layered Double Hydroxide Particles.

This study investigated the moisture absorption and mechanical degradation of epoxy-based polymer systems with Mg-Al/NO3 layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoparticles content up to 5 wt%. Such systems are developed for multilayer corrosion protective coatings. A sorption model was developed to calculate the moisture concentration field in the multilayer structures using Fick's law of diffusion. The finite-difference method was used for the numerical solution. Epoxy/LDH nanocomposites were prepared using various dispersion methods with solvents, wetting agents, and via a three-roll mill. Moisture absorption was measured under different environmental conditions, including temperatures up to 50 °C and salinity levels up to 26.3 wt% salt solution. The results showed that equilibrium moisture content increased by 50% in hot water, while it was reduced by up to two times in salt solution. The diffusion coefficient in hot water increased up to four times compared to room temperature. The numerical algorithm was validated against experimental data, accurately predicting moisture distribution over time in complex polymer systems. Mechanical tests revealed that the elastic modulus did not change after water exposure; however, the ultimate strength decreased by 10-15%, especially in specimens with 5 wt% LDH.

Foam separation of radio-molybdenum oxyanions (99MoO42−) incorporated into Co(II)/Al(III) layered double hydroxide using anionic surfactant

Foam separation of radio-molybdenum oxyanions (99MoO42−) incorporated into in-situ formed Co(II)/Al(III) layered double hydroxide (LDH) particles was applied for recovery of these anionic species from aqueous solutions. The results showed that Co(II)/Al(III) molar ratios of 2 and 2.5 resulted into not only high recovery values for 99MoO42− (R > 0.97), but also high decontamination factor (DF = 33 and 36, respectively). Almost complete recovery was achieved for 99MoO42− coprecipitated with Co(II)/Al(III) LDH in the pH range 9.9–10.5. Ageing time of 5 min was sufficient to completely coprecipitate the concerned anionic species. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) concentrations in the range 1.5 × 10−3 - 3 × 10−3 mol/L had the ability to efficiently form hydrophobic 99MoO42--Co(II)/Al(III)-LDH particles, where recovery values of about 0.96 were achieved with high DF values. The influence of the coexistence of different foreign anions (Cl−, NO3−, HCO3−, CO32− and SO42−) during coprecipitation process of 99MoO42− and foam separation of the resultant particles was investigated. The suggested strategy in the present study was effectively applied for recovery of 99MoO42− anions from ground water (R ≈ 0.98 and enrichment ratio (ER ≈ 7172) and radioactive process wastewater (R ≈ 0.96 and ER = 3887). Based on characterization of Co(II)/Al(III) LDH using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) before and after foam separation process using SDS and the obtained data, the recovery mechanism of 99MoO42− was proposed.

Non-aqueous Pickering emulsions stabilized by natroglaucocerinite-like layered double hydroxides particles

This study explores non-aqueous Pickering emulsions stabilized by natroglaucocerinite-like layered double hydroxides (Zn/Al LDH), featuring two immiscible phases: glycerin (Gly) and various oils (silicone, castor, soybean, or vaseline) over a span of 15 days. The stability of the emulsions was assessed through macroscopic observations of flocculation, creaming, sedimentation, and coalescence. The wettability of the solid particles at the phase interface was analyzed using tensiometry and contact angle measurements, while fluorescence microscopy was used to determine the type of emulsion. Emulsification effectiveness was found to be influenced by the glycerin volume fraction, oil type, and LDH particle concentration. Oils like silicone and vaseline required both a higher LDH concentration and glycerin fraction for complete oil emulsification, whereas castor and soybean oils showed better emulsification at higher glycerin fractions. These findings underscore the potential of LDH as a versatile and eco-friendly solution for applications that demand the reduction or control of specific solvents.

Simple incorporation and calcination of Zn-Al LDH during PEO processing in near-neutral pH solutions

Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) process was employed for preparing oxide coatings on AA2024 aluminum alloy in solutions containing Zn-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) particles. Sodium hexametaphosphate aqueous solution was selected as the standard solution, based on its almost neutral pH value considered as important for the LDH stability. Different additives to the standard solution were examined including 2-mecaptobenzothiazole (MBT) and different Zn-Al LDH compounds. The formed coatings underwent characterization regarding their morphology, chemical and phase composition, as well as assessment of their photocatalytic and corrosion protection efficiency. Coating thickening and compactness evolution were noted for all coatings with LDH additions to the standard solution. Obtained coatings are well-crystallized featuring γ-Al2O3 and two Zn-containing crystalline phases, namely ZnO and NaZnPO4, originating mainly from the LDH addition to the solution. PEO coatings obtained in this study demonstrated very reasonable photocatalytic activity for immobilized photocatalyst, reaching 51 % after 6 h under UV irradiation. The inclusion of Zn-Al LDH substantially boosted the impedance modules at low frequencies by two orders of magnitude compared to bare AA2024 alloy when exposed to a 3.5 % NaCl solution.

Influence of morphology and composition of spherical layered double hydroxide particles and derived mixed oxides on photocatalytic CO2 reduction

Considering the flexibility in the synthesis that allows the formation of materials with more than two metals, the present study reports the preparation of trimetallic layered double hydroxides (LDHs) having Al as structural tri-positive cation, Ti as photocatalytically active d0 transition metal and either Ni or Co as dipositive cation. In addition, these LDHs were used as precursors of the corresponding trimetallic mixed oxides (MO). LDH and MO materials in combination with Ru(bpy)3Cl2 as photosensitizer and triethanolamine as sacrificial electron donor were used as catalysts for CO2 reduction under solar light irradiation. A different product selectivity, either CH4 for Ni-LDH or CO and H2 for Co-MO, was observed with production rates for CH4 or CO that are among the highest reported for these systems. The role of the inorganic materials in the photocatalytic process was supported by transient absorption spectroscopy that revealed the quenching of the Ru(bpy)3Cl2 triplet excited state by Ni-LDH or Co-MO. An important finding was that the trimetallic Co-Ti-Al oxide with cobaltite structure is able to perform CO2 reduction in spite that the reduction potential of its conduction band is not sufficient to perform the process, evidence by photoluminescence revealing the existence of an upper electronic state responsible for the reduction. These results show the interest in screening multimetallic materials in photocatalysis due to their improved performance and diverse properties.

Application of Fe-Al layered double hydroxides on silica for phosphate and arsenate removal from water

In present study FeAl-LDH@SiO2 adsorbent was used for phosphate and arsenate removal from aqueous solutions. Silica, obtained from rice husks, was used as a substrate for the deposition of FeAl based layered double hydroxides (FeAl-LDH) particles. Synthesis of FeAl-LDH, obtained at Fe/Al molar ratio of 3:1, was performed via co-precipitation and concomitant deposition on SiO2 carrier at 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1 LDH/silica mass ratios. The prepared materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms (BET method) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). SEM analysis revealed uniform precipitate of LDH on SiO2 substrate, while XRD analysis confirmed crystallographic structure of LDH deposit. Optimization of adsorption properties of synthesized adsorbents confirmed best performances of FeAl-LDH@SiO2, obtained at 3:1 LDH/silica mass ratio. Thus, adsorption experiments were carried out with respect to adsorbent dosage, phosphate and arsenate concentration at initial pH 4. Phosphate concentrations were determined using spectrophotometer and arsenate concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrometer. The results showed that the maximum sorption capacities for phosphates was 62.2 mg g-1, and for arsenate was 59.0 mg g-1. Kinetic study confirmed intra-particle diffusion as rate-limiting step, while thermodynamic study indicates feasible and spontaneous process.

Formation of Composite Coatings of Layered Double Hydroxide Particles and Hydroxide Gel by Electrophoretic Deposition on Mg Alloy and Corrosion Resistance

To improve the corrosion resistance of Mg alloys, composite coatings of layered double hydroxide intercalated with carbonate (LDH-CO3, hydrotalcite) particles and magnesium and aluminum hydroxide gel were formed on AZ31 Mg alloy by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) using the LDH-CO3 suspension with Mg(NO3)2 and Al(NO3)3 in total of 1.25–125 mmol/L. Wet-dry cyclic corrosion tests were performed for the coated specimens after ultrasonication. LDH-CO3 particle-rich layer and magnesium and aluminum hydroxide gel-rich layer almost alternately piled up to form a composite layer. The hydroxide gel adhered the particles together and to the substrate. At the bottom of the composite layer, flake-shape LDH-structured substance densely covered the substrate surface. The coverage and thickness of the composite layer increased from sub-micrometers to 30 µm with an increase of Mg and Al ion concentrations of the suspension. By ultrasonication, parts of the composite layer delaminated to expose the LDH-structured substance layer, while the coverage by the remaining composite layer increased with an increase of Mg and Al ion concentrations. The LDH-CO3 particles and hydroxide gel composite coatings prevented corrosion initiation even in the areas where the LDH-structured substance layer was exposed.

Oil-in-oil Pickering emulsions stabilized by shigaite-like layered double hydroxide particles

In this work, we report the preparation of simple oil-in-oil emulsions using layered nanoparticles as stabilizers at the interface between silicone and castor oil. Layered double hydroxides with a shigaite-like structure presenting an ideal composition of [Mn6Al3(OH)18][(SO4)2Na].12H2O (S-Na/SO4) were prepared by co-precipitation with increasing pH, followed by particle surface grafting with octhadecyltrimethoxysilane (S-OTMS) in an apolar medium. The powder XRD, SEM, TEM, and specific surface area (BET) techniques showed that the structure and morphology of silane-grafted S-Na/SO4 remained practically unchanged. FTIR, EDS and ICP-OES analyses indicated that the silanes were successfully grafted onto the S-Na/SO4 surface. In addition, to maintaining their structure and morphology, these functionalized materials showed good performance in controlling the hydrophobicity of the surface for application in oil-in-oil emulsions, improving their compatibility for the dispersion in non-polar liquids.

Molecular Dynamics Model to Explore the Initial Stages of Anion Exchange involving Layered Double Hydroxide Particles.

A classical molecular dynamics (MD) model of fully unconstrained layered double hydroxide (LDH) particles in aqueous NaCl solution was developed to explore the initial stages of the anion exchange process, a key feature of LDHs for their application in different fields. In particular, this study focuses on the active corrosion protection mechanism, where LDHs are able to entrap aggressive species from the solution while releasing fewer corrosive species or even corrosion inhibitors. With this purpose in mind, it was explored the release kinetics of the delivery of nitrate and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT, a typical corrosion inhibitor) from layered double hydroxide particles triggered by the presence of aggressive chloride anions in solution. It was shown that the delamination of the cationic layers occurs during the anion exchange process, which is especially evident in the case of MBT-.

BioClay™ prolongs RNA interference-mediated crop protection against Botrytis cinerea.

One of the most promising tools for the control of fungal plant diseases is spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS). In SIGS, small interfering RNA (siRNA) or double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeting essential or virulence-related pathogen genes are exogenously applied to plants and postharvest products to trigger RNA interference (RNAi) of the targeted genes, inhibiting fungal growth and disease. However, SIGS is limited by the unstable nature of RNA under environmental conditions. The use of layered double hydroxide or clay particles as carriers to deliver biologically active dsRNA, a formulation termed BioClay™, can enhance RNA durability on plants, prolonging its activity against pathogens. Here, we demonstrate that dsRNA delivered as BioClay can prolong protection against Botrytis cinerea, a major plant fungal pathogen, on tomato leaves and fruit and on mature chickpea plants. BioClay increased the protection window from 1 to 3 weeks on tomato leaves and from 5 to 10 days on tomato fruits, when compared with naked dsRNA. In flowering chickpea plants, BioClay provided prolonged protection for up to 4 weeks, covering the critical period of poding, whereas naked dsRNA provided limited protection. This research represents a major step forward for the adoption of SIGS as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fungicides.

Size and surface charge effect of layered double hydroxide particles upon blood cells

Biological behavior of layered double hydroxide (LDH) toward human blood cells was evaluated with respect to the particle size and surface charge parameters. Three kinds of LDHs with different particle sizes were prepared by different synthesis routes and surface charge of the LDH was controlled by coating with citrate, malate or serine. Powder X-ray diffraction patterns and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analyses indicated that the three LDHs before surface coating had average diameter ~ 160 nm, ~ 340 nm and ~ 1980 nm with well-crystallized hydrotalcite-like structure. According to zeta potential measurement, the surface coating with citrate, malate, and serine gave controlled zeta potential of −15.28 mV, 5.68 mV, and 36.5 mV, respectively. It was confirmed that all the six LDH samples regardless of size and surface charge did not induce serious hemolysis toward human red blood cells (RBCs), of which the value was less than 2.5% even in a high administration concentration of 10 mg/mL. However, the LDH with the largest size showed statistically a higher hemolysis ratio than the others at the high administration dose and long exposure time. The SEM showed that the large LDH particles induced membrane disruption by direct attack, while most of the LDH particles were softly landed on the RBC surface. Comparative SEM study suggested that the membrane interaction of LDH toward RBC was different from that with adherent cells. The adherent cells showed massive attachment of LDH particles on membrane periphery with active endocytosis. It was therefore concluded that LDH particles with moderate size are highly compatible to human blood cells.

Determination of technological parameters of Zn-Al layered double hydroxides, as a matrix for functional anions intercalation, under different synthesis conditions

Layered double hydroxides, especially Zn-Al, are valuable bases for intercalating various functional anions: dyes, drugs, food additives, etc. For purposeful development and optimization of the synthesis technology of functional materials based on Zn-Al layered double hydroxides, the technological parameters of Zn-Al nitrate layered double hydroxide samples (Zn:Al=4:1) synthesized at solution flow rates of 0.8 and 1.6 l/h, pH=7, 8, 9, 10 and t=10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 °C were determined. The yield values of the samples were determined by the gravimetric method. The sedimentation rate was studied by measuring the normalized thickness of the precipitate layer (relative to the initial layer thickness) during 30 minutes of settling. It was found that with an increase in the synthesis pH, the yield increased from 74.68 % to 83.54 %. Increasing the flow rate of the solutions led to a decrease in yield. On the yield-synthesis temperature dependence, two sections of 10–20 °C and 30–60 °C were identified, within which an increase in temperature led to a decrease in yield. It is shown that with increasing synthesis pH, as well as the solution flow rate, the sedimentation rate increased significantly. At pH=10, almost complete sedimentation of the sample occurred within the first 5 minutes. The obtained data indicate that the pH of the zero charges of the Zn-Al-NO3 layered double hydroxide particles was close to 10. It was found that increasing the temperature reduced the sedimentation rate. An abnormally low sedimentation rate at a synthesis temperature of 30 °C and an abnormally high sedimentation rate at 50 °C were detected. The obtained data confirm the previously stated hypothesis regarding the change of the mechanism or kinetics of the formation of layered double hydroxides at temperatures of 30 °C and 50 °C

CuCe-LDHs anchored on CNTs-COOH/copper foam cathode for the electrocatalytic degradation of sulfamethoxazole under near-neutral conditions

Environmental contamination with antibiotics has become a global crisis. Heterogeneous electro-Fenton (EF) technology is a highly efficient approach to remove antibiotics from wastewater. In this study, CuCe-layered double hydroxide (LDH) particles were fixed on the carboxylated carbon nanotubes (CNTs-COOH) and then doped on foamed copper electrodes (CuCe-LDHs/CNTs-COOH/CF). The CuCe-LDHs/CNTs-COOH/CF electrode was used as the cathode for sulfamethoxazole (SMX) degradation in the heterogeneous EF procedure. The coexistence of CeIII/CeIV and CuI/CuII redox couples led to significant enhancement in the interfacial electron transfer, accelerated the in situ formation and decomposition of H2O2, and promoted the formation of O2− and OH active free radicals. The electrode demonstrated good stability, low metal-ion leaching, and a wide pH application range. The results show that within 90 min almost 100.0% of SMX ([SMX] = 10 mg L−1) was degraded. After ten cycles, the electrode retained high stability and outstanding catalytic capacity. Finally, the probable paths of SMX degradation in the heterogeneous EF procedure were proposed, and the biotoxicity of SMX and its decomposition products during degradation was systematically evaluated. This study can supply meaningful ideas for designing and synthesizing efficient and stable cathodes for removing antibiotics from wastewater via using the in the heterogeneous EF reaction system.

Synthesis of Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Material with a Synergistic Interface as a Release Agent for Free Acid β-Hydroxy-β-Methyl Butyrate

We report the preparation and characterization of a new organic-inorganic hybrid system composed of type-I collagen and ZnAl layered double hydroxide (LDH) particles loaded with β-hydroxy-β-methyl butyrate (HMB) by coprecipitation reaction. X-ray diffraction (peaks well agree with those reported in the literature), infrared spectroscopy (stretching bonds for both organic-inorganic compounds), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the hybrid system retained HMB in the carboxylate form, and a small fraction turned to the acid form. In both cases, the HMB molecules are assembled to the LDH surface. The hybrid compound results in improved thermal stability for HMB and collagen, as shown by thermal analysis. Scanning electron microscopy data reflects different arrangements from LDH sheets with interesting physicochemical properties since LDH and collagen protect free HMB and make it more bioavailable and functional. In vitro studies as part of high-throughput screening strategies indicated that LDH hybrids reduced cell viability around 75-90%, which is an acceptable viability value because of the L6 cell line susceptibility. However, all new nanomaterials must be carefully analyzed by different toxicity tests because a single test does not evaluate complete physiological compartments.

Solvent-free synthesis of halloysite-layered double hydroxide composites containing salicylate as novel, active fillers

Solvent-free syntheses provide an alternative path that reduces the use of hazardous substances. In this work, a sustainable synthesis of nanometric layered double hydroxide particles grafted over halloysite nanotubes ([email protected]) is reported using a mechanochemical technique. Samples loaded with different LDH percentage (100%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10% with respect to the HNT content) were prepared and characterized. Spectroscopic and morphological characterizations allowed to select the sample with 20% by weight of LDH as the best composite ([email protected]), wherein no LDH phase segregation was observed and the nanosheets were homogeneously grafted throughout the surface of the halloysite nanotubes. The combination of cationic and anionic clays in one filler enables the preparation of a composite which can be easily dispersed in a polymer and release active molecules. To this end, salicylate ions were incorporated into the layered double hydroxide nanoflakes of [email protected] and three intercalation strategies, comprising both solvent-free and traditional intercalating routes, were tested. Results of salicylate release tests indicate that the intercalating route used affects the amount of species hosted, the strength of the salicylate-LDH interactions and the drug release time, thus offering the possibility of selecting the most suitable method of drug incorporation to tune the salicylate content depending on a specific aim.

Inorganically modified particles FeAl-LDH@SiO 2 as reinforcement in poly (methyl) methacrylate matrix composite

Silica particles were obtained from rice husk to which layered double hydroxide particles were deposited (weight ratio 1 : 1). Fe2+-Al3+ layered double hydroxides (FeAl-LDH) were synthesized by co-precipitation with ratios Fe : Al of 3 : 1 in the presence of SiO2 particles from the rice husk. Characterization of the synthesized FeAl-LDH@SiO2 particles was performed by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy with EDS. Prepared FeAl-LDH@SiO2 particles were used as reinforcing agents in 1, 3 and 5 wt% quantity in poly (methyl) methacrylate matrix. The aim of this study was to examine whether FeAl-LDH@SiO2 particles affect the mechanical properties of polymer composite materials. The morphology of the composites was examined using a field emission scanning electron microscope. Microindentation, tensile and impact testing determined the mechanical properties of the obtained composites.

A nanohybrid layered double hydroxide as an effective carrier for delivery and application of the phytohormone indole acetic acid

The increasing need for agricultural production on the one hand, and requirements for greener and more sustainable agricultural practices on the other, have led to a growing demand for efficient and eco-friendly materials for the delivery of agrochemicals. Here we describe, the use of layered double hydroxide (LDH) particles as a carrier for a plant hormone. Magnesium–aluminum LDH intercalated with indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) was synthesized by co-precipitation method, characterized, and examined for real-life applications. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that both pristine and IAA-intercalated LDH particles exhibit hexagonal platelet morphology. X-ray diffraction showed a hydrotalcite-like structure and, together with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, verified the efficacious intercalation of IAA anions. The intercalation protected the IAA from enzymatic degradation and allowed its sustained release, as demonstrated by enzymatic stability and release tests, correspondingly. In-vivo assay revealed that intercalation inside LDH significantly increases the biological activity of IAA in promoting adventitious root development in plant cuttings. Results demonstrate the applicability of LDH as an advanced, effective, and sustainable carrier that overcomes the practical limitations of agrochemicals and significantly enhances their efficiency.

Surface roughness effect on the cellular uptake of layered double hydroxide nanoparticles

Layered double hydroxide (LDH) particles with a uniform size of ~200 nm were prepared by the hydrothermal method, and fluorescein moiety was introduced into their gallery space. Through modifying synthesis routes such as ion-exchange and reconstruction, final LDH particles were obtained with a smooth and rough surface, respectively. Thanks to the topotactic ion-exchange and systematic reconstruction, the two LDH had the same particle dimension, surface charge and colloidal properties except for surface roughness. Cell viability test employing human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cells (A549) showed that both the LDH, regardless of surface roughness showed sufficient biocompatibility up to a concentration of 200 μg/mL. According to fluorescence assisted cell sorting and confocal microscopy, we could quantitatively and qualitatively confirm that the smooth particles were more advantageous in terms of cellular uptake compared to rough particles. According to a series of biological assays with or without proteins, we could suggest that the benefit of smooth-surfaced LDH was related to their higher protein adsorption property compared to rough particles; protein adsorption was considered to enhance both colloidal stability in biological fluid and cellular interaction at the membrane.

Nanocomposites of polyimide with Various Modified LDHs: Synthesis, characterisation and towards improvement of, morphology, thermal stabilities, mechanical properties, gas permeation and gas selectivity

ABSTRACT Novel polyimide (PI) nanocomposite films were synthesised from diamine monomer (diamine 1B) and Pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) with various modified layered double hydroxides (LDHs) particles via solution intercalation polymerisation to poly(amic acid)s, followed by thermal imidization. Modified LDHs particles, including LDH-amino benzoate (M-LDHs) were prepared with the coprecipitation method. The intercalation of PI chains among the LDHs particles was examined using wide-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. TEM photographs showed that most LDH layers were dispersed homogeneously into the matrix polymer on the nanoscale, although some particles of LDHs were agglomerated. Moreover, the addition of only a small amount of LDHs particles was enough to improve the thermal stabilities and mechanical properties of PI hybrid films. The thermo-optical properties were measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and ultraviolet-visible (UV–vis) spectrometry. As anticipated, though the gas permeability of pure gases, viz., He, N2, CH4 and CO2 exhibited decrease, it was not monotonous. A marked decrease in permeability of gases like CO2 and CH4, in comparison to relatively lower decrease in permeability of He was observed, especially at higher LDH loading. An increase in selectivity: α(He/CO2) and α(He/CH4), especially at higher LDH loading indicated the capability of nanocomposites to tune the selectivity favourably.