Synthesis and Characterization of Zinc/Aluminium Layered Double Hydroxide: Evaluating Their Potential for Environmental Remediation

Abstract In this study, zinc/aluminum layered double hydroxides, Zn/Al LDH were synthesized at varying molar ratios to evaluate their potential for environmental remediation. The synthesis was carried out using a co-precipitation method, producing Zn/Al LDH with molar ratios of 1:1, 1:2, 2:1, 1:3, and 3:1. Comprehensive characterization techniques, XRD, FTIR and BET surface area analysis. The greater disparity in ionic radii between Zn 2+ and Al 3+ is responsible for the deformation of the hydroxide layer networks of the LDH crystal, as evidenced by the improvement in crystallinity of LDH samples as the molar ratio is reduced. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of characteristic functional groups, including hydroxyl and carbonate groups. BET analysis highlighted significant differences in surface area and pore size distribution correlated with the varying molar ratios.