A new class of tuneable crystalline solid supports for metal complexes have been synthesised and used for ethylene polymerization. We have developed a family of high surface area, highly dispersible layered double hydroxides (AMO-LDHs) which, on treatment with alkyl aluminum activators, are able to support metallocene and non-metallocene complexes to make active catalyst systems for the slurry polymerization of ethylene. We show that the chemical composition of the AMO-LDH support can dramatically affect catalyst activity, polymer morphology, and polymer microstructure. A Zr K-edge EXAFS study of these active catalysts has enabled us to observe a metallocene-derived single-center catalytic species in close proximity to the support.

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