Development of 2D zinc-aluminum hexagonal LDHs for greater catalytic degradation of food colorant Allura red dye: Catalytic property and DFT studies

Allura Red (AR) is a synthetic food colorant that is found in the wastewater of several food companies. It is utilized in drinks, syrups, and instant drink powders. In this study, 2D Zinc-Aluminum hexagonal layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were successfully synthesized and demonstrated to be an effective catalyst for AR degradation. In the presence of sodium borohydride (NaBH 4 ), these synthesized LDHs demonstrated greater catalytic activity for AR degradation. According to the pseudo-first-order kinetic investigation, 2D Zinc-Aluminum hexagonal LDHs have excellent catalytic degradation activity toward AR. AR degradation rates can reach 77.03 % in 60 min, suggesting the fast catalytic efficacy of the resultant Zinc-Aluminum hexagonal LDHs in the presence of NaBH 4 . The experimental and DFT calculation findings revealed that an electric field existed between the surfaces, resulting in rapid electron movement. The outstanding catalytic activity indicates that Zinc-Aluminum hexagonal LDHs may have a good prospective use in organic dye wastewater treatment .