Synthesis and exfoliation of layered hydroxide zinc aminobenzoate compounds

Two types of layered hydroxide zinc o-aminobenzoate compounds with structures of layered basic metal salt (LBMS) were prepared by reacting of zinc hydroxide and o-aminobenzoic acid solution in a temperature range of 40-110°C. The formation reactions, structures, chemical compositions, and exfoliation behavior in alcohol solvents of the layered compounds were investigated by using XRD, TG-DTA, SEM, and TEM. The layered phase with a basal spacing of 1.33 nm has an α-Ni(OH)2-like structure, and its chemical formula can be written as Zn(OH)1.27(o-NH2C6H4COO)0.73·nH2O. The 1.33 nm layered phase shows plate-like particle morphology. The plate-like crystals can be exfoliated into nanosheet-like particles in alcohol solvents.