Synthesis and characterization of novel 4-aminobenzoate interleaved with zinc layered hydroxide for potential sunscreen application

4-aminobenzoic acid (4-AB) interleaved with zinc layered hydroxide (ZAB) was successfully synthesized from 4-AB and zinc oxide (ZnO) by using co-precipitation method. The PXRD pattern of ZAB with a basal spacing of 23.2 Å has confirmed that 4-AB interleaved into zinc layered hydroxide (ZLH) inorganic interlayer. The interleaved compound was also verified with the presence of COO^– and aromatic N–C groups observed at 1518 cm⁻¹ and 1174 cm⁻¹, respectively, in the FTIR spectrum. The results were supported by the presence of 18.7% carbon composition in the ZAB material obtained from TGA analysis. Morphological studies showed that ZAB material is a flake-like shape with different sizes. Further characterizations of the resulting compounds were also studied by using BET/BJH, ICP and CHNS analyses.