Mixed–metal–oxide photocatalysts generated by high–temperature calcination of CaAlFe, hydrocalumite–LDHs prepared from an aluminum salt–cake

Solids with photocatalytic properties have been prepared by calcination of hydrocalumite (a sort of layered double hydroxide, LDH) at 750 °C, which had been prepared using an aluminum salt cake as a source. The characterization of the obtained solids was performed by powder X–ray diffraction, FT–infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms at −196 °C and electron microscopy. Different crystalline phases were identified depending on the amount of Fe3+ incorporated. The Fe–free photocatalyst showed the best performance under UV light for the photodegradation of ibuprofen.