Polymer matrix nanocomposites with nanosized fillers are becoming an inseparable part of various industries owing to their unique properties. Among the nanosized fillers, layered double hydroxides are a good candidate due to their fantastic properties such as the ability to ion exchange and adsorption capacity. In the present work, a simple and green synthesis procedure was applied for the preparation of novel modified Cu–Ca–Al-based layered double hydroxide/polymer matrix nanocomposites. Notably, the synthesis was performed in a water medium as solvent. The layered double hydroxide was synthesized and itaconic acid was used for the surface functionalization of the prepared material. The modified material was then incorporated into the natural polymer of gellan gum to produce polymer matrix nanocomposites with different filler contents. The prepared materials were characterized using infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and N2 adsorption/desorption technique. After characterization, the prepared materials were used for the adsorption of Congo red. After investigation of the important experimental parameters, the isotherm and kinetic studies were also performed. Among the studied kinetic models, the pseudo-second-order model and intra-particle diffusion model were obtained the best in the case of Congo red adsorption. The Freundlich isotherm model showed the best results. Finally, maximum adsorption capacities of 80.9, 90.1, and 99.9 mg g−1 were obtained for nanocomposites containing 1%, 3%, and 5 wt% of filler, respectively.
Herein, we report the synthesis of Cu-Ca-Al/NO3-based layered double hydroxide through co-precipitation methodology. The prepared layered double hydroxide was then modified with itaconic acid. The physicochemical properties of the prepared materials were studied using Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption technique. The prepared materials were then applied as novel adsorbents for the removal of Congo red as a model of an anionic dye from aqueous media. To reach maximum adsorption, the effect of parameters including sample solution pH, adsorbent amount, contact time, and initial concentration of Congo red on the adsorption process was investigated. Kinetic studies were also conducted to study the mechanism of adsorption. In this regard, the kinetic models of pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich, and intra-particle diffusion were studied. The results showed that the adsorption of Congo red onto Cu-Ca-Al-LDH and LDH-ITA adsorbents followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. To evaluate the equilibrium adsorption data, different isotherms including Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich were also applied. The data revealed that the Freundlich isotherm provided the best fit with the equilibrium data of both adsorbents. Maximum adsorption capacities of 81 and 84 mg g− 1 were obtained using Cu-Ca-Al-LDH and LDH-ITA adsorbents, respectively.
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