Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are anionic clays with a characteristic layered structure. The charge of LDH layers is positive, so different anionic species are intercalated between the layers to equalize the charge. Water molecules are also located between the slabs. Divalent and trivalent metal cations that form LDHs can be of different types, giving us a wide range of LDHs that can be synthesized. LDHs are used in many applications due to their many useful properties, such as high specific surface area, high porosity and easy preparation. By exchanging the anions between the layers, LDHs can be modified in their properties and thus used for a variety of applications.
The aim of my diploma work was the synthesis and characterisation of zinc-iron layered double hydroxides. The products were analysed using X-Ray powder diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermogravimetry (TG), nitrogen physisorption and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
The syntheses were carried out by the co-precipitation method at constant pH. The solution of the precursor cations (Zn$^{2+}$, Fe$^{3+}$) was prepared under the condition, that the molar ratio of the trivalent metal cation was between 0.2 and 0.33.
The absorption and photocatalytic properties of our products were determined by measuring the change in concentration of the dye Plasmocorinth B in contact with the material. The absorbance of the dye solution was measured by using UV-Vis spectrometer, from which the dye concentration was calculated. We also wanted to know how well the product adsorbs lead from the waste water. We have prepared a solution with an initial concentration of Pb$^{2+}$ ions, added our sample and measured the concentration of Pb$^{2+}$ ions after they adsorbed on the material. The measurements were carried out by optical emission spectrometry.
It turned out that FeO(OH) was synthesised, but on the basis of SEM analysis we suppose that some poorly crystalline desired product was also formed. In addition, other analyses carried out showed that the synthesised product had certain LDH properties.
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