Organo-modified ZnAl layered double hydroxide was used for the first time to support a nickel a-diimine catalyst for the ethylene polymerization, and its effects on the catalytic activity, the morphology, thermal stability, and dynamic viscoelastic properties of the resultant polyethylene material were investigated. Different from the homogeneous nickel a-diimine catalyst, the supported catalyst system was found to have a long-lasting polymerization activity. Moreover, the resultant polyethylene material showed good particle morphology, improved thermal stability, as well as enhanced storage modulus and complex viscosity. (c) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.