The latest advances in layered double hydroxide materials in membrane separation are discussed in this Review article. Specifically, the article will examine the fundamental properties of LDHs, various assembly strategies for LDHs membranes, and the current state of research in multiple fields. Additionally, the article will explore the obstacles and prospects for future progress in the preparation and application of LDHs membranes.

Abstract

The use of two-dimensional materials shows great promise for the development of next-generation membrane materials, thanks to their atomic thinness and the ease with which precise nanochannels can be constructed. Among these materials, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) stand out as an important class, possessing many features that make them ideal for constructing high-performance membranes. LDHs offer many advantages, such as their abundant and tunable interlayer anions, which enable the preparation of membranes with adjustable sub-nanometer pore sizes. Additionally, their hydrophilicity and positive charge characteristics afford them unique benefits. LDHs have been found to be effective in gas separation, ion sieving, and nanofiltration. This review provides a summary of the latest progress in using LDHs for membrane separation. It begins by introducing the basic properties of LDHs, followed by the assembly strategy for LDH membranes. Furthermore, the review presents the research status of LDHs membranes in various fields in a systematic manner. Lastly, the paper highlights some challenges and future prospects for preparing and applying LDHs membranes.