Layered intercalated functional materials based on efficient utilization of magnesium resources in China

Mg-based layered intercalated functional materials of the layered double hydroxide type are a significant class of magnesium compounds. Based on long-term studies of these materials in the State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering in Beijing University of Chemical Technology, two principles of “using the intended application of a material as a guide to its structure design and synthesis process” and “the design of controlled intercalation processes in the light of future production processing requirements” have been developed. To achieve these objectives, the composition of the host layers and guest interlayer anions was tailored at the microlevel, while the mesostructure and macrostructure were controlled to fabricate different kinds of Mg-based layered intercalated functional materials. These materials have diverse applications in key areas such as catalysis, the environment, and construction, and as polymer additives. Therefore, China’s magnesium resources may be utilized more efficiently for the benefit of society.