The investigation of Ni–Al and Co–Al based layered double hydroxides and their derived mixed oxides thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition

Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs) are host-guest materials consisting of positively charged metal/hydroxides sheets with intercalated anions and water molecules. LDHs can be described by the generic formula [M1−x2+Mx3+(OH)2]x+[Ax/n]n−⋅mH2O and their structure is formed by layers containing divalent cations (M2+: Mg, Zn, Ni, Co,…) and trivalent cations (M3+: Al, Ga, Cr,…) with an octahedral coordination. LDH films with well-oriented structure and controlled thickness are needed for numerous applications like sensors, protective coatings, catalysts, components for optoelectronics etc. In this work, we report on the deposition of Ni–Al and Co–Al based LDHs and their derived mixed oxides by pulsed laser deposition as a new approach to fabricate oriented LDHs or highly dispersed metallic mixed oxides. The influence of the laser characteristics, such as wavelength and fluence, on the films properties was studied. The films investigation techniques were X-Ray Diffraction, Atomic Force Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and Secondary Ions Mass Spectrometry.