Synthesis and Characterization of Layered Double Hydroxides-Intercalated Polydimethylsiloxane Sponge

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a promising material for the fabrication of 3D scaffolds, thanks to its versatility and the possibility of producing sponge-like architectures through sugar-templating methods. The incorporation of functional additives further expands their potential, extending the applicability of PDMS-based systems toward advanced functional systems in areas such as environmental remediation, sensing, and biomedicine. Among these additives, metal-based nanomaterials such as layered double hydroxides (LDH) are particularly attractive due to their tuneable composition and multifunctional properties. LDHs have gained increasing attention in a range of fields, including biomedical and environmental research, thanks to their biocompatibility, controlled intercalated species release, catalysis, and sensing potential. Previous studies have incorporated LDHs into PDMS sponges via post-synthesis impregnation of pre-formed LDH crystallites, typically synthesized by co-precipitation. While widely used, co-precipitation may limit control over LDH crystallinity, morphology, and structure, affecting performance. In contrast, in situ growth strategies enable more controlled nucleation and development of the LDH structure, leading to improved structural definition and physicochemical properties. In this study, we propose a simple and cost-effective approach based on the incorporation of LDH synthesized under controlled in situ conditions into a porous PDMS sponge matrix with various architectures developed through the use of different sugar templates, enabling tuneable pore sizes while maintaining a scalable and accessible fabrication process.