Layered double hydroxide films: synthesis, properties and applications.

Layered double hydroxide (LDH) films have been widely investigated in the last few years because of their promising applications in areas such as catalysis, anti-corrosion coatings for metals, and as components in optical, electrical, and magnetic devices. In this Feature Article we review recent work, from our own laboratory and elsewhere, on the synthesis, properties and applications of functional LDH films, and also offer some perspectives for the design of future multifunctional LDH films.