Platinum nanoparticle intercalated magnesium–aluminum layered double hydroxide (LDH) composite was prepared by restacking the colloidal dispersion of organically modified LDH in the presence of preformed oleylamine capped platinum nanoparticles in n-butanol. The resultant nanocomposite was characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The PXRD pattern of the composite indicates an expanded interlayer due to the intercalation of the Pt-nanoparticles into the LDH interlayer region. PXRD patterns along with the IR spectra confirm the formation of the precursors and the composite. TEM image of Pt-nanoparticles shows spherical particles with an average particle size of ~3 nm and that of the composite shows dispersed Pt-nanoparticles on the LDH matrix. The presence of Pt, Mg and Al in the composite is indicated in the EDX data.