Thermal decomposition of a layered double hydroxide as a bottom up approach for the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles embedded in carbon structures

In the present study, the thermal behaviour of a layered double hydroxide (LDH) intercalated with a carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) polymer was evaluated to inspect the effect of the temperature on the chemical processes that occur during its decomposition under a nitrogen atmosphere, ranging from 500 to 1000 °C, as well as the product properties. The intercalation compound (LDH–CMC) proved to be a suitable precursor to develop inorganic nanocomposites based on Ni metallic nanoparticles (Ni-MNPs) embedded in a carbonaceous matrix by a bottom-up strategy involving a carbothermal reaction. Considering the temperature effect on the LDH–CMC decomposition processes, as well as the dispersion of metallic and carbon sources at the nanoscale level favoured by the intercalated structure, the simple synthetic approach reported in this work permits fine tuning of the production of valuable phases. The nanocomposites with ordered carbonaceous structures and transition metallic nanoparticles are interesting functional materials for electrocatalysis.