Abstract
Carbon nanoform (CNF)/layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposites have been widely studied in recent years thanks to the combination of properties of both LDH and carbon nanomaterials. They exhibit improved or unexpected properties as a consequence of their hierarchical structures. There are three main reported approaches to prepare the nanocomposites: reassembly of nanocarbons and LDHs, direct formation of LDHs on nanocarbon materials, and the direct synthesis of nanocarbons on the LDH phase. The resulting CNF/LDH nanocomposites exhibit improved conductivity, mechanical properties, and redox reactivity; moreover, the hybridization confers hierarchical porosities and better dispersion to the final materials. These hybrids are of utmost interest in several fields, and can also be used in a wide range of practical applications including batteries, supercapacitors, water splitting, catalysts, flame retardants, drug delivery, or environment protection, among others. In conclusion, these nanocomposites are expected to be of major importance because of their wide chemical versatility, straightforward synthesis, low cost, and excellent behavior toward very demanding topics such as energy storage and conversion or catalysis.
