Layered double hydroxides (LDH) are anionic clays, consisting of positively charged layers and anions that compensate charge. Water is also present in the interlamellar space. The layers consist of divalent and trivalent metal cations with different molar ratios. It is possible to prepare different LDH with various types of cations and anions in the structure. A characteristic feature of LDH is their ability to exchange anions in the interlamellar space, known as ion exchange capacity. There are several different techniques for the preparation and characterization of LDH. LDHs have different properties, such as sorption, photocatalytic and electrocatalytic properties, which can be used for different applications.
The aim of my diploma work was the preparation and characterization of cobalt-iron layered double hydroxides with intercalated chloride and carbonate ions. CoFe-LDH with chloride ions was prepared by coprecipitation synthesis at constant pH and CoFe-LDH with carbonate ions was prepared by ion-exchange. The molar ratio of trivalent cations in the prepared materials was 0,25. The samples were hydrothermally and thermally treated.
The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, infrared spectrometry, thermogravimetry and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the resulting products were poorly crystalline and that carbonate ions were also present in the sample with intercalated chloride ions.
The sorption and photocatalytic properties of the prepared materials were analysed by monitoring the concentration of Plasmocorinth B dye in solution. All the prepared materials proved to be better sorbents than photocatalysts. The best results were obtained for CoFe-LDH with intercalated chloride ions, which also possessed a relatively large specific surface area. The electrocatalytic properties were analysed by cyclic voltammetry with a rotating disc electrode as the working electrode. The activity for the reactions of hydrogen and oxygen evolution from water was tested. For hydrogen evolution, CoFe-LDH with chloride ions was found to be a better electrocatalyst, while for oxygen evolution both materials gave comparable results. Relatively large overpotential occurred in all reactions.
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