Abstract
MgCuAl layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with a hydrotalcite like structure containing different proportions of Mg2+ and Cu2+ cations have been prepared. Thermogravimetry and X-ray diffraction data indicated that the transformation of LDH into mixed oxides is effective after calcination at 723 K, irrespective of the composition. The acid-base properties of these mixed oxides have been investigated using adsorption microcalorimetry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy with NH3 (for acidity) and SO2 (for basicity) as probe molecules. Their catalytic behaviour for the conversion of cyclohexanol has been tested. The acid-base properties and the selectivity of catalysts has been related to their composition.