Cationic dye sorption by Zn-Al-layered double hydroxides (LDHs) modified with anionic surfactants was examined using methylene blue (MB) dye as a compound model in aqueous solutions. The modification of Zn-Al LDHs was performed by reconstruction method using dodecyl sulfate anion (DS) solutions. DS contained Zn-Al LDHs were characterized by XRD, FTIR, thermogravimetric, and SEM analysis. The reconstructed organo/Zn-Al LDHs comprise the crystalline phases (DS-intercalated LDHs, hydrotalcite), and the amorphous phase. The intercalation of DS ions into the interlayer galleries and DS adsorption on the surface of the LDHs occurred causing the MB adsorption on the external and its sorption in the internal surfaces of modified LDHs. The presence of DS greatly increased the affinity of organo/Zn-Al LDHs for MB due to hydrophobic interactions between the surfactants and the dye molecules. The optical properties of sorbed MB were studied.

International audienceA new class of colored heterometallic ZnxTiyOw–zNz waveguides developed using a nanocolloidal sol–gel route combined with thermal treatment under ammonia atmosphere is reported. The resulting mesoporous layers are photostable and degrade the cationic pigment methylene blue under visible light irradiation. Semiconductor photocatalysis is currently being explored in environmental sciences, solar cell technologies, and preparative “green” technology

Calcined and organo-modified Zn-Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were studied as adsorbents and photocatalysts for removal of cationic dye, as namely methylene blue (MB). Zn-Al LDHs with a cationic ratio of 2:4 were obtained by the coprecipitation method. As-synthesized samples were calcined at different temperatures and the phase transformations were investigated by XRD, TG/DTG, and UV–vis-DR methods. The activity of as-synthesized and calcined Zn-Al LDHs under UV light was attributed to the presence of ZnO phase. The amount of ZnO in LDHs can be regulated by varying of Zn/Al ratio and heating temperature. The impact of Zn/Al ratio on photocatalytic activity of LDHs was observed predominant. The calcined Zn-Al LDHs demonstrated low adsorption of MB. The modification of ZnAl LDHs by sodium dodecyl sulfate was performed using a reconstruction method. The organo/LDH nanohybrids demonstrated high adsorption capacity to MB. The removal of MB from solutions with organo/Zn-Al LDHs was enhanced by using UV light due to MB photodestruction.