Layered double hydroxide particles in hydrogel matrices
12209031 ยท 2025-01-28
Assignee
Inventors
- Lena Esters Trotochaud (Durham, NC, US)
- Mariana Vasquez Sanchez (Durham, NC, US)
- Alina Kirillova (Durham, NC, US)
Cpc classification
C01F7/784
CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
International classification
Abstract
Exemplary layered double hydroxides (LDHs) may comprise a compound of formula Mg.sub.4-yAlX.sub.y(OH).sub.2, wherein X is Mn.sup.+2, Cu.sup.+2, Zn.sup.+2, or Fe.sup.+2, and 0.01y1. Exemplary layered double hydroxide hydrogels (LDH-gels) may comprise a hydrogel and at least one LDH. Exemplary hydrogels may comprise polyethylene (glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) or polyacrylamide (PAAm). Exemplary LDH-gels may comprise at least one LDH comprising a compound of formula Mg.sub.4-yAlX.sub.y(OH).sub.2, wherein X is Mn.sup.+2, Cu.sup.+2, Zn.sup.+2, or Fe.sup.+2, and 0.01y1.
Claims
1. A layered double hydroxide (LDH), the LDH comprising: a compound of formula Mg.sub.4-yAlX.sub.y(OH).sub.2, wherein: ##STR00006##
2. The layered double hydroxide of claim 1, wherein X is Zn.sup.+2.
3. The layered double hydroxide of claim 1, wherein X is Fe.sup.+2.
4. The layered double hydroxide of claim 1, wherein 0.2y1.
5. The layered double hydroxide of claim 4, wherein y is 0.2.
6. The layered double hydroxide of claim 4, wherein y is 0.4.
7. The layered double hydroxide of claim 4, wherein y is 1.
8. A layered double hydroxide hydrogel (LDH-gel), the LDH-gel comprising a hydrogel and at least one layered double hydroxide (LDH), the at least one LDH comprising: a compound of formula Mg.sub.4-yAlX.sub.y(OH).sub.2, wherein: ##STR00007##
9. The LDH-gel of claim 8, wherein the hydrogel comprises polyethylene (glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), polyacrylamide (PAAm), or combinations thereof.
10. The LDH-gel of claim 9, wherein the hydrogel comprises polyethylene (glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA).
11. The LDH-gel of claim 9, wherein the hydrogel comprises polyacrylamide (PAAm).
12. The LDH-gel of claim 8, wherein X is Zn.sup.+2.
13. The LDH-gel of claim 8, wherein X is Fe.sup.+2.
14. The LDH-gel of claim 8, wherein the LDH-gel comprises more than one LDH comprising a compound of formula Mg.sub.4-yAlX.sub.y(OH).sub.2.
15. The LDH-gel of claim 14, wherein the LDH-gel comprises a first LDH comprising a compound of formula Mg.sub.4-yAlX.sub.y(OH).sub.2 where X is Zn.sup.+2 and a second LDH comprising a compound of formula Mg.sub.4-yAlX.sub.y(OH).sub.2 where X is Fe.sup.+2.
16. The LDH-gel of claim 8, wherein 0.2y1.
17. The LDH-gel of claim 16, wherein y is 0.2.
18. The LDH-gel of claim 16, wherein y is 1.
19. The LDH-gel of claim 8, wherein the LDH-gel is in the form of a bead.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(67) Exemplary materials, methods and techniques disclosed and contemplated herein generally relate to layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and layered double hydroxide hydrogels (LDH-gels). Exemplary LDHs and LDH-gels may be particularly suited for use in water filtration applications, such as filters for onsite water treatment systems (OWTSs). Exemplary LDHs and LDH-gels may also be particularly suited for the treatment of stormwater.
(68) Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control. Methods and materials are described below, although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in practice or testing of the present disclosure. All publications, patent applications, patents and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. The materials, methods, and examples disclosed herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
(69) The terms comprise(s), include(s), having, has, can, contain(s), and variants thereof, as used herein, are intended to be open-ended transitional phrases, terms, or words that do not preclude the possibility of additional acts or structures. The singular forms a, an and the include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The present disclosure also contemplates other embodiments comprising, consisting of and consisting essentially of, the embodiments or elements presented herein, whether explicitly set forth or not.
(70) As used herein, the term about is used to indicate that exact values are not necessarily attainable. Therefore, the term about is used to indicate this uncertainty limit. The term about may refer to plus or minus 10% of the indicated number. For example, about 10.sup.0/ may indicate a range of 9% to 11%, and about 1 may mean from 0.9-1.1. Other meanings of about may be apparent from the context, such as rounding off, so, for example about 1 may also mean from 0.5-1.4. The modifier about should also be considered as disclosing the range defined by the absolute values of the two endpoints. For example, the expression from about 2 to about 4 also discloses the range from 2 to 4.
(71) For the recitation of numeric ranges herein, each intervening number there between with the same degree of precision is contemplated. For example, for the range of 6-9, the numbers 7 and 8 are contemplated in addition to 6 and 9, and for the range 6.0-7.0, the numbers 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, and 7.0 are contemplated. For another example, when a pressure range is described as being between ambient pressure and another pressure, a pressure that is ambient pressure is expressly contemplated.
(72) As used herein, the term hydrogel is a crosslinked hydrophilic polymer that does not dissolve in water.
(73) As used herein, the term crosslinker is a molecule that contains two or more reactive ends capable of chemically attaching to specific functional groups on other molecules.
(74) As used herein, the term initiator is a molecule that reacts with a monomer (single molecule that can form chemical bonds) to form an intermediate compound capable of linking successively with a plurality of other monomers into a polymeric compound.
I. EXEMPLARY COMPOSITIONS
(75) Various aspects of exemplary layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and layered double hydroxide hydrogels (LDH-gels) are discussed below.
(76) A. Exemplary Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs)
(77) Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are a class of materials described by the general formula [M.sub.1-x.sup.2+M.sub.x.sup.3+(OH).sub.2].sup.x+[A.sup.n].sub.x/n.Math.yH.sub.2O, where M atoms are divalent and trivalent transition metal cations arranged in 2-dimensional crystalline hydroxide sheets, and A.sup.n is an anion.
(78) As shown in
(79) The robust immobilization of LDH particles in the LDH-gel beads may enable optimum filter performance. LDH-gels may achieve such robust immobilization of LDH particles, and as shown in
(80) LDHs based on Al.sup.3+ and Mg.sup.2+ may have high selectivity for phosphorus-containing species, with sorption occurring primarily through ligand-exchange and ion-exchange mechanisms. Exemplary LDHs may be altered, and the material properties (including selectivity) tuned by modifying the ratio and identity of the divalent (X.sup.2+) and trivalent (X.sup.3+) metal cations. Exemplary phosphorus-containing species may include dissolved reactive phosphate (PO.sub.4.sup.3, HPO.sub.4.sup.2, and H.sub.2PO.sub.4.sup.), particulate inorganic phosphate (e.g., from soil particulates), and various organic phosphorus-containing compounds (e.g., from decomposition of organic matter and proteins; amino acids; some surfactants).
(81) LDHs based on Fe.sup.3+/Fe.sup.2+, Al.sup.3+, and Mg.sup.2+ may have high selectivity for nitrogen-containing species, with sorption occurring primarily through ligand-exchange and ion-exchange mechanisms. Exemplary LDHs may be altered, and the material properties (including selectivity) tuned by modifying the ratio and identity of the divalent (X.sup.2+) and trivalent (X.sup.3+) metal cations. Exemplary nitrogen-containing species may include inorganic nitrogen-containing ions (nitrate (NO.sub.3.sup.), nitrite (NO.sub.2.sup.), and ammonium (NH.sub.4.sup.+)), and various organic nitrogen-containing compounds (e.g., from decomposition of organic matter and proteins; amino acids; azo dyes).
(82) The structural stability of LDHs can be compromised during PO.sub.4.sup.3 sorption if reaction with and abstraction of the metal cations (X.sup.2+ and/or X.sup.3+) from the crystalline sheets occurs. This results in precipitation of secondary phosphate-containing phases through formation of ionic bonds. When secondary phase precipitation is avoided, PO.sub.4.sup.3 desorption can be achieved via ion exchange by introducing a competing anion at high concentration (for example, OH, by treatment with strong base).
(83) Exemplary layered double hydroxides (LDHs) of the present disclosure generally comprise a compound of formula:
(84) ##STR00001##
wherein X is Mn.sup.+2, Cu.sup.+2, Zn.sup.+2, or Fe.sup.+2, and 0.01y1. In some instances, X is Zn.sup.+2 or Fe.sup.+2. A stoichiometric amount of X is defined by the subscript y.
(85) Typically, y is between about 0.01 and about 1. In various instances, y is between about 0.1 and about 1; between about 0.2 and about 1; between about 0.25 and about 0.95; between about 0.30 and about 0.90; between about 0.35 and about 0.85; between about 0.40 and about 0.80; between about 0.45 and about 0.75; between about 0.50 and about 0.70; or between about 0.55 and about 0.65. In various instances, y is no greater than 1; no greater than 0.95; no greater than 0.90; no greater than 0.85; no greater than 0.80; no greater than 0.75; no greater than 0.70; no greater than 0.65; no greater than 0.60; no greater than 0.55; no greater than 0.50; no greater than 0.45; no greater than 0.40; no greater than 0.35; no greater than 0.30; no greater than 0.25; no greater than 0.20; no greater than 0.15; no greater than 0.10; no greater than 0.05; or no greater than 0.01. In various instances, y is no less than 0.01; no less than 0.05; no less than 0.10; no less than 0.15; no less than 0.20; no less than 0.25; no less than 0.30; no less than 0.35; no less than 0.40; no less than 0.45; no less than 0.50; no less than 0.55; no less than 0.60; no less than 0.65; no less than 0.70; no less than 0.75; no less than 0.80; no less than 0.85; no less than 0.90; no less than 0.95; or no less than 1.
(86) B. Exemplary Layered Double Hydroxide Hydrogels (LDH-Gels)
(87) Exemplary layered double hydroxide hydrogels (LDH-gels) may comprise a hydrogel and at least one layered double hydroxide (LDH). In various instances, the LDH-gel is in the form of a bead. Exemplary beads may be spherical. Exemplary spherical beads may be perfectly or imperfectly spherical. Exemplary LDH-gel beads may have a diameter between 1 mm and 10 mm. In various instances, LDH-gel beads have a diameter between 1 mm and 9 mm; between 2 mm and 8 mm; between 3 mm and 7 mm; or between 4 mm and 6 mm. In various instances, the LDH-gel heads have a diameter of no greater than 10 mm; no greater than 9 mm; no greater than 8 mm; no greater than 7 mm; no greater than 6 mm; no greater than 5 mm; no greater than 4 mm; no greater than 3 mm; no greater than 2 mm; or no greater than 1 mm. In various instances, the LDH-gel heads have a diameter of no less than 1 mm; no less than 2 mm; no less than 3 mm; no less than 4 mm; no less than 5 mm; no less than 6 mm; no less than 7 mm; no less than 9 mm; or no less than 10 mm.
(88) In other instances, the LDH-gel is in the form of a block. In various instances, the LDH-gel blocks may be broken into pieces. In various instances, the pieces of LDH gel blocks may have a length along the longest axis between 1 mm and 10 mm. In various instances, the pieces of LDH gel blocks may have a length along the longest axis between 1 mm and 9 mm; between 2 mm and 8 mm; between 3 mm and 7 mm; or between 4 mm and 6 mm. In various instances, the pieces of LDH gel blocks may have a length along the longest axis of no greater than 10 mm; no greater than 9 mm; no greater than 8 mm; no greater than 7 mm; no greater than 6 mm; no greater than 5 mm; no greater than 4 mm; no greater than 3 mm; no greater than 2 mm; or no greater than 1 mm. In various instances, the pieces of LDH gel blocks may have a length along the longest axis of no less than 1 mm; no less than 2 mm; no less than 3 mm; no less than 4 mm; no less than 5 mm; no less than 6 mm; no less than 7 mm; no less than 9 mm; or no less than 10 mm.
(89) The density of the LDH-gel may vary and will generally depend on the LDH particle loading. In various instances, the density of the LDH-gel may be 1.01 g/mL to 1.50 g/mL. In various instances, the density of the LDH-gel may be 1.05 g/mL to 1.50 g/mL; 1.10 g/mL to 1.50 g/mL; 1.15 g/mL to 1.45 g/mL; 1.20 g/mL to 1.40 g/mL; or 1.25 g/mL to 1.35 g/mL. In various instances, the density of the LDH-gel may be no greater than 1.50 g/mL; no greater than 1.45 g/mL; no greater than 1.40 g/mL; no greater than 1.35 g/mL; no greater than 1.30 g/mL; no greater than 1.25 g/mL; no greater than 1.20 g/mL; no greater than 1.15 g/mL; no greater than 1.10 g/mL; no greater than 1.05 g/mL; or no greater than 1.01 g/mL. In various instances, the density of the LDH-gel may be no less than 1.01 g/mL; no less than 1.05 g/mL; no less than 1.10 g/mL; no less than 1.15 g/mL; no less than 1.20 g/mL; no less than 1.25 g/mL; no less than 1.30 g/mL; no less than 1.35 g/mL; no less than 1.40 g/mL; no less than 1.45 g/mL; or no less than 1.50 g/mL.
(90) Exemplary hydrogels for use in the LDH-gels include poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA), polyacrylamide (PAAm), poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), and combinations thereof. In various instances, the hydrogel comprises polyethylene (glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), polyacrylamide (PAAm), or combinations thereof.
(91) Exemplary LDHs included in the LDH-gels comprise a compound of formula Mg.sub.4-yAlX.sub.y(OH).sub.2 wherein X is Mn.sup.+2, Cu.sup.+2, Zn.sup.+2, or Fe.sup.+2, and 0.01y1. In some instances, X is Zn.sup.+2 or Fe.sup.+2.
(92) In various instances, the LDH-gel comprises more than one LDH comprising a compound of formula Mg.sub.4-yAlX.sub.y(OH).sub.2. In various instances, the LDH-gel comprises a first LDH comprising a compound of formula Mg.sub.4-yAlX.sub.y(OH).sub.2 where X is Zn.sup.+2, and a second LDH comprising a compound of formula Mg.sub.4-yAlX.sub.y(OH).sub.2 where X is Fe.sup.+2.
(93) The ratio of the first LDH to the second LDH present in the LDH-gel may be from 100:1 to 1:100 In various instances, the ratio of the first LDH to the second LDH is from 90:1 to 1:90; 80:1 to 1:80; 70:1 to 1:70; 60:1 to 1:60; 50:1 to 1:50; 40:1 to 1:40; 30:1 to 1:30; 20:1 to 1:20; 10:1 to 1:10; 9:1 to 1:9; 8:1 to 1:8; 7:1 to 1:7; 6:1 to 1:6; 5:1 to 1:5; 4:1 to 1:4; 3:1 to 1:3; or 2:1 to 1:2. In various instances, the ratio of the first LDH to the second LDH is no greater than 100:1; no greater than 90:1; no greater than 80:1; no greater than 70:1; no greater than 60:1; no greater than 50:1; no greater than 40:1; no greater than 30:1; no greater than 20:1; no greater than 10:1; no greater than 9:1; no greater than 8:1; no greater than 7:1; no greater than 6:1; no greater than 5:1; no greater than 4:1; no greater than 3:1; no greater than 2:1; no greater than 1:1; no greater than 1:2; no greater than 1:3; no greater than 1:4; no greater than 1:5; no greater than 1:6; no greater than 1:7; no greater than 1:8; no greater than 1:9; no greater than 1:10; no greater than 1:20; no greater than 1:30; no greater than 1:40; no greater than 1:50; no greater than 1:60; no greater than 1:70; no greater than 1:80; no greater than 1:90; or no greater than 1:100. In various instances, the ratio of the first LDH to the second LDH is no less than 1:100; no less than 1:90; no less than 1:80; no less than 1:70; no less than 1:60; no less than 1:50; no less than 1:40; no less than 1:30; no less than 1:20; no less than 1:10; no less than 1:9; no less than 1:8; no less than 1:7; no less than 1:6; no less than 1:5; no less than 1:4; no less than 1:3; no less than 1:2; no less than 1:1; no less than 2:1; no less than 3:1; no less than 4:1; no less than 5:1; no less than 6:1; no less than 7:1; no less than 8:1; no less than 9:1; no less than 10:1; no less than 20:1; no less than 30:1; no less than 40:1; no less than 50:1; no less than 60:1; no less than 70:1; no less than 80:1; no less than 90:1; or no less than 100:1.
(94) Exemplary hydrogel monomers (2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), acrylamide (AAm), and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) (PEGDA having average molecular weight of 575 g/mol) may be used with LDH particles to form LDH-gels via radical polymerization/crosslinking. These hydrogel monomers are shown below:
(95) ##STR00002##
(96) As shown in
II. EXEMPLARY METHODS
(97) Exemplary methods can be used to prepare LDH particles and LDH-gels. Various aspects of methods of preparing LDH particles and LDH-gels are described below.
(98) A. Exemplary Methods of Preparing LDH Particles
(99) Exemplary methods of preparing LDH particles may comprise preparing a metal ion solution comprising magnesium chloride (MgCl.sub.2), aluminum chloride (AlCl.sub.3), and a transition metal chloride (XCl.sub.2). In various instances, the transition metal chloride, XCl.sub.2, is MnCl.sub.2, CuCl.sub.2, ZnCl.sub.2, or FeCl.sub.2. In various instances, the total concentration of metal ions (i.e., Mg.sup.+2, Al.sup.+3, and X.sup.+2 ions) in the solution is 1 molar (1 M). The metal ion solution may be prepared using hydrate salts of MgCl.sub.2, AlCl.sub.3, and XCl.sub.2 (i.e., MgCl.sub.2.Math.6H.sub.2O, AlCl.sub.3.Math.6H.sub.2O, and XCl.sub.2.Math.4H.sub.2O).
(100) Exemplary methods may further comprise adding a 2 molar (2 M) sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution to the metal ion solution to form a first suspension comprising the LDH particles. Exemplary methods may further comprise adding the 2 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution while stirring the metal ion solution. Alternatively, immediately after adding the 2 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution to the metal ion solution, the first suspension may be stirred.
(101) Exemplary methods may further comprise centrifuging the first suspension. Exemplary methods may further comprise decanting a first supernatant. Alternatively, after exposing the LDH particles to a 2 molar (2 M) sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution to form the first suspension comprising the LDH particles, exemplary methods may comprise filtering the LDH particles.
(102) Exemplary methods may further comprise exposing the LDH particles to a 2 M sodium carbonate (Na.sub.2CO.sub.3) solution to form a second suspension comprising the LDH particles. Exposing the LDH particles to a sodium carbonate (Na.sub.2CO.sub.3) solution exchanges carbonate anions (CO.sub.3.sup.) into the LDH particle's interlayer region. Depending on the desired use, LDHs with various interlayer anions may be prepared using a 2 M sodium (Na.sup.+) or potassium (K.sup.+) salt solution with an appropriate anion (e.g., nitrate (NO.sub.3.sup.), phosphate (PO.sub.4.sup.3), chloride (Cl.sup.), fluoride (F.sup.), hydroxide (OH.sup.), or bicarbonate (HCO.sub.3.sup.)). Exemplary methods may further comprise centrifuging the second suspension. Exemplary methods may further comprise decanting a second supernatant. Alternatively, after exposing the LDH particles to a 2 M sodium carbonate (Na.sub.2CO.sub.3) solution to form a second suspension comprising the LDH particles, exemplary methods may comprise filtering the LDH particles.
(103) Exemplary methods may further comprise washing the LDH particles. Exemplary washing operations may comprise a series of three different washing operations: a first washing operation, a second washing operation, and a third washing operation. Exemplary first washing operations may comprise washing the LDH particles with a dilute sodium carbonate (Na.sub.2CO.sub.3) solution. In some instances, the dilute sodium carbonate (Na.sub.2CO.sub.3) solution used during the first washing operation has a concentration of sodium carbonate (Na.sub.2CO.sub.3) between 0.01 M and 0.2 M. In various instances, the solution used during the first washing operation has a concentration of sodium carbonate (Na.sub.2CO.sub.3) between 0.05 M and 0.2 M; between 0.06 M and 0.19 M; between 0.07 M and 0.18 M; between 0.08 M and 0.17 M; between 0.09 M and 0.16 M; or between 0.10 M and 0.15 M. In various instances, the dilute sodium carbonate (Na.sub.2CO.sub.3) solution used during the first washing operation has a concentration of sodium carbonate (Na.sub.2CO.sub.3) of no less than 0.01 M; no less than 0.02 M; no less than 0.04 M no less than 0.05 M; no less than 0.06 M; no less than 0.07 M; no less than 0.08 M; no less than 0.09 M; no less than 0.1 M; no less than 0.11 M; no less than 0.12 M; no less than 0.13 M; no less than 0.14 M; no less than 0.15 M; no less than 0.16 M; no less than 0.17 M; no less than 0.18 M; no less than 0.19 M; or no less than 0.2 M. In various instances, the dilute sodium carbonate (Na.sub.2CO.sub.3) solution used during the first washing operation has a ratio of sodium carbonate (Na.sub.2CO.sub.3) of no greater than 0.2 M; no greater than 0.19 M; no greater than 0.18 M; no greater than 0.17 M; no greater than 0.16 M; no greater than 0.15 M; no greater than 0.14 M; no greater than 0.13 M; no greater than 0.12 M; no greater than 0.13 M; no greater than 0.12 M; no greater than 0.11 M; no greater than 0.1 M; no greater than 0.09 M; no greater than 0.08 M; no greater than 0.07 M; no greater than 0.06 M; no greater than 0.05 M; no greater than 0.04 M; no greater than 0.03 M; no greater than 0.02 M; or no greater than 0.01 M.
(104) Exemplary first operations may comprise agitating the LDH particles during washing. Exemplary agitating operations may be achieved by mechanical means (e.g., shaking) or by sonication. In various instances, agitating the particles during washing may occur for a time period of 5 minutes to 15 minutes. In various instances, agitating the particles during washing may occur for a time period of 6 minutes to 14 minutes; 7 minutes to 13 minutes; 8 minutes to 12 minutes; or 9 minutes to 11 minutes. In various instances, agitating the particles during washing may occur for no greater than 15 minutes; no greater than 14 minutes; no greater than 13 minutes; no greater than 12 minutes; no greater than 11 minutes; no greater than 10 minutes; no greater than 9 minutes; no greater than 8 minutes; no greater than 7 minutes; no greater than 6 minutes; or no greater than 5 minutes. In various instances, agitating the particles during washing may occur for no less than 5 minutes; no less than 6 minutes; no less than 7 minutes; no less than 8 minutes; no less than 9 minutes; no less than 10 minutes; no less than 11 minutes; no less than 12 minutes; no less than 13 minutes; no less than 14 minutes; or no less than 15 minutes.
(105) Exemplary second and third washing steps may each comprise washing the LDH particles with pure water. As used herein, pure water means an aqueous liquid comprising no more than 0.001 M sodium carbonate (Na.sub.2CO.sub.3). Exemplary second and third washing operations may each comprise agitating the LDH particles during washing. Exemplary agitating operations may be achieved by mechanical means (e.g., shaking) or by sonication. In various instances, agitating the particles during washing may occur for a time period of 5 minutes to 15 minutes. In various instances, agitating the particles during washing may occur for a time period of 6 minutes to 14 minutes; 7 minutes to 13 minutes; 8 minutes to 12 minutes; or 9 minutes to 11 minutes. In various instances, agitating the particles during washing may occur for no greater than 15 minutes; no greater than 14 minutes; no greater than 13 minutes; no greater than 12 minutes; no greater than 11 minutes; no greater than 10 minutes; no greater than 9 minutes; no greater than 8 minutes; no greater than 7 minutes; no greater than 6 minutes; or no greater than 5 minutes. In various instances, agitating the particles during washing may occur for no less than 5 minutes; no less than 6 minutes; no less than 7 minutes; no less than 8 minutes; no less than 9 minutes; no less than 10 minutes; no less than 11 minutes; no less than 12 minutes; no less than 13 minutes; no less than 14 minutes; or no less than 15 minutes.
(106) Exemplary methods may further comprise drying the LDH particles. Exemplary drying methods may comprise drying the LDH particles in a glass container. Exemplary drying methods may comprise drying the LDH particles in the presence of static air or, alternatively, light to moderate passive air flow. In some instances, drying the LDH particles may occur in a drying oven with a passive air vent at the top or at room temperature in a fume hood. In various instances, drying the LDH particles may occur at a temperature ranging from 20 C. to 105 C. In various instances, drying the LDH particles may occur at a temperature ranging from 25 C. to 105 C.; ranging from 30 C. to 100 C.; ranging from 35 C. to 95 C.; ranging from 40 C. to 80 C.; ranging from 45 C. to 75 C.; ranging from 50 C. to 70 C.; ranging from 55 C. to 65 C.; or ranging from C. to 60 C. In various instances, drying the LDH particles may occur at a temperature of no greater than 105 C.; no greater than 100 C.; no greater than 95 C.; no greater than 90 C.; no greater than 85 C.; no greater than 80 C.; no greater than 75 C.; no greater than 70 C.; no greater than 65 C.; no greater than 60 C.; no greater than 55 C.; no greater than 50 C.; no greater than 45 C.; no greater than 40 C.; no greater than 35 C.; no greater than 30 C.; no greater than 25 C.; or no greater than 20 C.
(107) In various instances, drying the LDH particles occurs for 12 hours to 48 hours. In various instances, drying the LDH particles occurs for 14 hours to 46 hours; 16 hours to 44 hours; 18 hours to 42 hours; 20 hours to 40 hours; 22 hours to 48 hours; 24 hours to 46 hours; 26 hours to 44 hours; 28 hours to 42 hours; 30 hours to 40 hours; 32 hours to 38 hours; or 34 hours to 36 hours. In various instances, drying the LDH particles occurs for no greater than 48 hours; no greater than 46 hours; no greater than 44 hours; no greater than 42 hours; no greater than 40 hours; no greater than 38 hours; no greater than 36 hours; no greater than 34 hours; no greater than 32 hours; no greater than 30 hours; no greater than 28 hours; no greater than 26 hours; no greater than 24 hours; no greater than 22 hours; no greater than 20 hours; no greater than 18 hours; no greater than 16 hours; no greater than 14 hours; or no greater than 12 hours. In various instances, drying the LDH particles occurs for no less than 12 hours; no less than 14 hours; no less than 16 hours; no less than 18 hours; no less than 20 hours; no less than 22 hours; no less than 24 hours; no less than 26 hours; no less than 28 hours; no less than 30 hours; no less than 32 hours; no less than 34 hours; no less than 36 hours; no less than 38 hours; no less than 40 hours; no less than 42 hours; no less than 44 hours; no less than 46 hours; or no less than 48 hours.
(108) Exemplary methods may further comprise calcining the LDH particles. In various instances, calcining the LDH particles occurs in a borosilicate glass container. Typically, calcining the LDH particles occurs at a temperature of 350 C. to 550 C. In various instances, calcining the LDH particles occurs at a temperature of 360 C. to 540 C.; 370 C. to 530 C.; 380 C. to 520 C.; 390 C. to 510 C.; 400 C. to 500 C.; 410 C. to 490 C.; 420 C. to 480 C.; 430 C. to 470 C.; or 440 C. to 460 C. In various instances, calcining the LDH particles occurs at a temperature of no greater than 550 C.; no greater than 540 C.; no greater than 530 C.; no greater than 520 C.; no greater than 510 C.; no greater than 500 C.; no greater than 490 C.; no greater than 480 C.; no greater than 470 C.; no greater than 460 C.; no greater than 450 C.; no greater than 440 C.; no greater than 430 C.; no greater than 420 C.; no greater than 410 C.; no greater than 400 C.; no greater than 390 C.; no greater than 380 C.; no greater than 370 C.; no greater than 360 C.; or no greater than 350 C. In various instances, calcining the LDH particles occurs at a temperature of no less than 350 C.; no less than 360 C.; no less than 370 C.; no less than 380 C.; no less than 390 C.; no less than 400 C.; no less than 410 C.; no less than 420 C.; no less than 430 C.; no less than 440 C.; no less than 450 C.; no less than 460 C.; no less than 470 C.; no less than 480 C.; no less than 490 C.; no less than 500 C.; no less than 510 C.; no less than 520 C.; no less than 530 C.; no less than 540 C.; or no less than 550 C.
(109) In various instances, calcining may occur for 6 hours to 24 hours. In various instances, calcining occurs for 7 hours to 23 hours; 8 hours to 22 hours; 9 hours to 21 hours; 10 hours to 20 hours; 11 hours to 19 hours; 12 hours to 18 hours; 13 hours to 17 hours; or 14 hours to 16 hours. In various instances, calcining occurs for no greater than 24 hours; no greater than 22 hours; no greater than 20 hours; no greater than 18 hours; no greater than 16 hours; no greater than 14 hours; no greater than 12 hours; no greater than 10 hours; no greater than 8 hours; or no greater than 6 hours. In various instances, no greater than 24 hours; no greater than 22 hours; no greater than 20 hours; no greater than 18 hours; no greater than 16 hours; no greater than 14 hours; no greater than 12 hours; no greater than 10 hours; no greater than 8 hours; or no greater than 6 hours. In various instances, calcining may occur for no less 6 hours; no less than 8 hours; no less than 10 hours; no less than 8 hours; or no less than 6 hours.
(110) B. Exemplary Methods of Making LDH-Gels
(111) Exemplary methods of making LDH-gels of the present disclosure may comprise forming a mixture comprising a monomer, a crosslinker, a catalyst, and LDH particles. In various instances, methods of making LDH-gels may comprise forming the mixture in water. Exemplary methods may further comprise adding the water to an oil to form a water-in-oil emulsion. The oil may comprise paraffin oil. In some instances, acrylamide (AAm) is the monomer. In other instances, polyethylene (glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) having an average molecular weight of 575 g/mol is the monomer. In various instances N,N-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) is the crosslinker. In various instances, N,N,N,N-tetramethylethylenediamine (TEMED) is the catalyst.
(112) In exemplary mixtures, the mole ratio of the monomer to the crosslinker may be 50:1 to 1000:1. In various instances, the mole ratio of the monomer to the crosslinker (i.e., monomer:crosslinker) may be 100:1 to 1000:1; 150:1 to 950:1; 200:1 to 900:1; 250:1 to 850:1; 300:1 to 800:1; 350:1 to 750:1; 400:1 to 700:1; 450:1 to 650:1; or 500:1 to 600:1. In various instances, the mole ratio of monomer to crosslinker may be no greater than 1000:1; no greater than 950:1; no greater than 900:1; no greater than 850:1; no greater than 800:1; no greater than 750:1; no greater than 700:1; no greater than 600:1; no greater than 550:1; no greater than 500:1; no greater than 450:1; no greater than 400:1; no greater than 350:1; no greater than 300:1; no greater than 250:1; no greater than 200:1; no greater than 150:1; no greater than 100:1; or no greater than 50:1. In various instances, the mole ratio of monomer to crosslinker may be no less than 50:1; no less than 100:1; no less than 150:1; no less than 200:1; no less than 250:1; no less than 300:1; no less than 350:1; no less than 400:1; no less than 450:1; no less than 500:1; no less than 550:1; no less than 600:1; no less than 650:1; no less than 700:1; no less than 750:1; no less than 800:1; no less than 850:1; no less than 950:1; or no less than 1000:1.
(113) Exemplary methods may further comprise adding an initiator to the mixture comprising the monomer, the crosslinker, the catalyst, and the LDH particles, while stirring the mixture. In various instances ammonium persulfate (APS) is the initiator. Exemplary methods may further comprise allowing the mixture to form a solid. Exemplary methods may further comprise washing the solid. Exemplary washing operations may comprise letting the solids sit in pure water for 7 to 21 days. In various instances, washing operations may comprise letting the solids sit in pure water for 8 to 20 days; 9 to 19 days; 10 to 18 days; 11 to 17 days; 12 to 16 days; or 13 to 15 days. In various instances, washing operations may comprise letting the solids sit in pure water for no greater than 21 days; no greater than 20 days; no greater than 19 days; no greater than 18 days; no greater than 17 days; no greater than 16 days; no greater than 15 days; no greater than 14 days; no greater than 13 days; no greater than 12 days; no greater than 11 days; no greater than 10 days; no greater than 9 days; no greater than 8 days; or no greater than 7 days. In various instances, washing operations may comprise letting the solids sit in pure water for no less than 7 days; no less than 8 days; no less than 9 days; no less than 10 days; no less than 11 days; no less than 12 days; no less than 13 days; no less than 14 days; no less than 15 days; no less than 16 days; no less than 17 days; no less than 18 days; no less than 19 days; no less than 20 days; or no less than 21 days. In various instances, washing may further comprise replacing the pure water with fresh pure water at the end of each day (i.e., every 24 hours) for 7 to 21 days.
(114) C. Exemplary Methods of Making Filters Comprising LDH-Gels
(115) Exemplary filters comprising LDH-gels of the present disclosure may be manufactured using methods known to those of skill in the art. Exemplary filters may be constructed in various ways depending on the specific filter and intended use for said filter.
III. EXEMPLARY APPLICATIONS
(116) Exemplary LDHs and/or LDH-gels may be incorporated into a filtration unit, such as a single-use filter. Exemplary LDHs and/or LDH-gels may be contained in standard rigid housing, for example polyvinyl chloride (PVC), in a variety of forms, including cylindrical columns. In some instances, LDHs and/or LDH-gels may be contained inside of standard flexible housings, for example nylon or burlap sacks/socks. In some instances, LDHs and/or LDH-gels may be included in filters with media bed configurations, as either a discrete layer or mixed with other media/fillers, for example, in a bioretention filter, as a soil amendment in bioretention systems, mixed with sand, gravel, compost, dirt, and/or other soils, including bioretention soils. Relative amounts of the different types of LDHs disclosed herein may be selected to achieve target nutrient removal.
IV. EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLES
(117) Without limiting the scope of the instant disclosure, various experimental examples of embodiments discussed above were prepared and results are discussed below.
Example 1: Preparation of Exemplary LDH Particles
(118) 1 molar (1 M) metal ion solutions A, B, and C were prepared by mixing 1 M solutions of the appropriate metal salt hydrates in the desired ratio. As shown below, each 1 M metal ion solution has a total volume of 20 mL. A. Mg.sub.3.8AlFe.sub.0.2 15.2 mL of 1 M MgCl.sub.2.Math.6H.sub.2O 4.0 mL of 1 M AlCl.sub.3.Math.6H.sub.2O 0.8 mL of 1 M FeCl.sub.2.Math.4H.sub.2O B. Mg.sub.3.6AlFe.sub.0.4 14.4 mL of 1 M MgCl.sub.2.Math.6H.sub.2O 4.0 mL of 1 M AlCl.sub.3.Math.6H.sub.2O 1.6 mL of 1 M FeCl.sub.2.Math.4H.sub.2O C. Mg.sub.3AlFe 12.0 mL of 1 M MgCl.sub.2.Math.6H.sub.2O 4.0 mL of 1 M AlCl.sub.3.Math.6H.sub.2O 4.0 mL of 1 M FeCl.sub.2.Math.4H.sub.2O
(119) To each of metal ion solutions A, B, and C, an equal volume (20 mL) of a 2 M NaOH solution was added with stirring to form LDH particles A, B, and C, respectively.
(120) TABLE-US-00001 A. Mg.sub.3.8AlFe.sub.0.2(OH).sub.2 (i.e., Fe-5 or Mg.sub.3.8AlFe.sub.0.2 LDH) B. Mg.sub.3.6AlFe.sub.0.4(OH).sub.2 (i.e., Fe-10 or Mg.sub.3.6AlFe.sub.0.4 LDH) C. Mg.sub.3AlFe(OH).sub.2 (i.e., Fe-25 or Mg.sub.3AlFe LDH)
(121) The LDH particles were then removed from the suspension by centrifuging and decanting the supernatant. Next, the LDH particles were exposed to a 2 M sodium carbonate (Na.sub.2CO.sub.3) solution. The LDH particles were sonicated in the 2 M Na.sub.2CO.sub.3 solution for about 10 minutes. The LDH particles were then removed from the suspension by centrifuging and decanting the supernatant.
(122) The LDH particles were then washed with a 0.1 M sodium carbonate (Na.sub.2CO.sub.3) solution. For the 0.1 M Na.sub.2CO.sub.3 wash, the LDH particles were sonicated in the 0.1 M Na.sub.2CO.sub.3 solution for about 10 minutes. The LDH particles were then removed from the suspension by centrifuging and decanting the supernatant. The LDH particles were then washed two times with pure water. For each pure water wash, the LDH particles were sonicated in the pure water for about 10 minutes. The LDH particles were then removed from the suspension by centrifuging and decanting the supernatant. After washing, the LDH particles were collected in a glass dish and dried overnight (12 hours) at 105 C. After drying, the LDH particles were calcined in a borosilicate glass container at 500 C. for about 6 hours.
(123) The foregoing process was repeated, replacing Fe.sup.+2 with Zn.sup.+2, Cu.sup.+2, and Mn.sup.+2 to produce LDH particles D-L, shown below.
(124) TABLE-US-00002 D. Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2(OH).sub.2 (Zn-5 or Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2 LDH) E. Mg.sub.3.6AlZn.sub.0.4(OH).sub.2 (Zn-10 or Mg.sub.3.6AlZn.sub.0.4 LDH) F. Mg.sub.3AlZn(OH).sub.2 (Zn-25 or Mg.sub.3AlZn LDH) G. Mg.sub.3.8AlCu.sub.0.2(OH).sub.2 (Cu-5 or Mg.sub.3.8AlCu.sub.0.2 LDH) H. Mg.sub.3.6AlCu.sub.0.4(OH).sub.2 (Cu-10 or Mg.sub.3.6AlCu.sub.0.4 LDH) I. Mg.sub.3AlCu(OH).sub.2 (Cu-25 or Mg.sub.3AlCu LDH J. Mg.sub.3.8AlMn.sub.0.2(OH).sub.2 (Mn-5 or Mg.sub.3.8AlMn.sub.0.2 LDH) K. Mg.sub.3.6AlMn.sub.0.4(OH).sub.2 (Mn-10 or Mg.sub.3.6AlMn.sub.0.4 LDH) L. Mg.sub.3AlMn(OH).sub.2 (Mn-25 or Mg.sub.3AlMn LDH)
Example 2: X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) of Exemplary LDH Particles
(125) The LDHs of Example 1, and the parent LDH (Mg.sub.4Al LDH), were investigated using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Both calcined and non-calcined LDHs were investigated.
(126) As shown in
(127) As shown in the X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) of
(128)
(129)
(130)
(131) As shown in
Example 3: Testing Exemplary LDH Particles
(132) The LDHs of Example 1, and the parent LDH (Mg.sub.4Al LDH), were assessed regarding total nitrogen (total N or TN), total phosphorous (total P or TP), and nitrate (NO.sub.3.sup.) removal in stormwater. Both calcined and non-calcined LDHs were investigated. The results are summarized in Tables 1-16 below. In general, all LDHs showed capability for P removal from real, spiked, and synthetic stormwater.
(133) LDHs and calcined LDHs with the formula Mg.sub.4-yAlX.sub.y where X=Fe.sup.2+ showed strong performance for P removal on short time scales (10 min). Generally, calcined LDHs showed strong performance for nitrate (NO.sub.3.sup.) removal. For instance, calcined LDHs with the formula Mg.sub.4-yAlX.sub.y where X=Zn.sup.2+ or Cu.sup.2+ and where y0.4 showed strong performance for NO.sub.3.sup. removal on short time scales (10 min).
(134) Tables 1 and 2 show performance data for testing with real stormwater having a lower initial concentration of total N (2.5 ppm). As used herein, real stormwater is stormwater collected from the environment (N and P concentrations not altered). In these experiments, the Mg.sub.4Fe LDH showed strong performance for total P removal.
(135) TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 1 Total N removal from 150 mL of real stormwater by calcined LDHs. total calcined interlayer N (ppm) total N % removal LDH mass (g) anion 5 min 72 h 5 min 72 h Mg.sub.4Al 0.1506 OH.sup. 1.3 1.0 48% 60% Mg.sub.4Al 0.1499 CO.sub.3.sup.2 1.8 1.4 28% 44% Mg.sub.4Fe 0.1509 CO.sub.3.sup.2 1.4 0.9 44% 64% initial concentration 2.5
(136) TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 2 Total P removal from 150 mL of real stormwater by calcined LDHs. calcined mass interlayer total P (ppm) total P % removal LDH (g) anion 5 min 1 h 72 h 5 min 1 h 72 h Mg.sub.4Al 0.1506 OH.sup. 0.98 0.78 0.05 10% 28% 96% Mg.sub.4Al 0.1499 CO.sub.3.sup.2 1.04 0.64 0.03 5% 41% 97% Mg.sub.4Fe 0.1509 CO.sub.3.sup.2 0.86 0.68 0.03 21% 37% 97% initial concentration 1.09
(137) Tables 3 and 4 show performance data for testing with real stormwater having a more typical initial concentration of total N (6.9 ppm). In these experiments, again, the Mg.sub.4Fe LDH showed strong performance for total P removal.
(138) TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 3 Total N removal from 150 mL of real stormwater by calcined LDHs. total calcined interlayer N (ppm) total N % removal LDH mass (g) anion 5 min 72 h 5 min 72 h Mg.sub.4Al 0.1508 OH.sup. 6.9 3.7 0% 46% Mg.sub.4Al 0.1516 CO.sub.3.sup.2 6.4 3.7 7% 46% Mg.sub.4Fe 0.1504 CO.sub.3.sup.2 6.0 3.0 13% 57% initial concentration 6.9
(139) TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 4 Total P removal from 150 mL of real stormwater by calcined LDHs. calcined interlayer total P (ppm) total P % removal LDH mass (g) anion 5 min 1 h 72 h 5 min 1 h 72 h Mg.sub.4Al 0.1508 OH.sup. 1.18 0.93 0.17 7% 27% 86% Mg.sub.4Al 0.1516 CO.sub.3.sup.2 0.99 0.95 0.09 22% 25% 93% Mg.sub.4Fe 0.1504 CO.sub.3.sup.2 1.05 1.00 0.06 17% 21% 96% initial concentration 1.28
(140) Table 5 shows total P removal performance data for substituted Mg.sub.3AlX LDHs. The calcined Mg.sub.3AlFe LDH showed strong performance for total P removal at all time scales.
(141) TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 5 Total P removal from 150 mL of real stormwater by substituted Mg.sub.3AlX LDHs. calcined total P (ppm) total P % removal calcined mass drying at 5 10 5 10 LDH (g) T ( C.) 500 C. min min 72 h min min 72 h Mg.sub.4Al 0.1517 105 yes 0.95 0.83 0.16 7% 19% 84% Mg.sub.3AlMn 0.1496 105 yes 0.87 0.83 0.12 15% 19% 88% Mg.sub.3AlZn 0.1503 105 yes 0.94 0.98 0.34 8% 4% 67% Mg.sub.3AlFe 0.1501 105 yes 0.60 0.45 0.02 41% 56% 98% Mg.sub.3AlCu 0.1510 105 yes 1.00 1.10 0.66 1% 8% 36% Mg.sub.3AlCu 0.1496 105 no 0.96 0.98 0.50 6% 3% 51% Mg.sub.3AlCu 0.1500 20 no 0.90 0.76 0.02 11% 25% 98% initial concentration 1.02
(142) Table 6 shows total P removal performance data for calcined, substituted Mg.sub.3AlX LDHs. In this experiment, the real stormwater was spiked with Na.sub.2HPO.sub.4 to increase the total P concentration to 1 ppm. Again, the calcined Mg.sub.3AlFe LDH showed strong performance for total P removal at all time scales.
(143) TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 6 Total P removal from 150 mL of spiked stormwater by calcined, substituted Mg.sub.3AlX LDHs. X metal mass total P (ppm) total P % removal substitution (g) 5 min 10 min 24 h 5 min 10 min 24 h Mn 0.1510 1.04 0.98 0.56 15% 20% 54% Zn 0.1497 1.11 1.14 0.90 10% 8% 27% Fe 0.1501 0.63 0.47 0.08 49% 62% 93% Cu 0.1511 1.16 1.14 1.01 6% 8% 18% initial concentration 1.23
(144) Table 7 shows total P and nitrate removal performance data for calcined, substituted Mg.sub.3AlX LDHs, for a single, short contact time (10 min). In this experiment, synthetic stormwater was used, which contained 1 ppm P (from Na.sub.2HPO.sub.4), 0.5 ppm NO.sub.3.sup. (from NaNO.sub.3), 4 ppm glycine, and 120 ppm CaCl.sub.2) dissolved in deionized water. Before testing, the synthetic stormwater was adjusted to pH 7 using 1 M NaOH. Again, the calcined Mg.sub.3AlFe LDH showed strong performance for total P removal.
(145) TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 7 Total P and nitrate removal from 100 mL of synthetic stormwater by calcined LDHs, 10 min contact time. nutrient nutrient % concentration (ppm) removal LDH mass (g) total P NO.sub.3.sup. total P NO.sub.3.sup. Mg.sub.4Al 0.1001 0.49 0.24 53% 51% Mg.sub.3AlZn 0.1000 0.85 0.30 19% 39% Mg.sub.3AlFe 0.1000 0.07 0.40 93% 18% Mg.sub.3AlCu 0.0997 0.95 0.49 9% 0% initial concentration 1.04 0.49
(146) Table 8 shows total P and nitrate removal performance data for calcined, substituted Mg.sub.3AlX LDHs, essentially repeating the experiment from Table 7 with the addition of one additional longer contact time point (48 h). Again, the calcined Mg.sub.3AlFe LDH performed well for total P removal at short time scales. All of the calcined LDHs showed >90% total P removal after 48 h.
(147) TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 8 Total P and nitrate removal from 100 mL of synthetic stormwater by calcined LDHs. nutrient concentration (ppm) nutrient % removal total P NO.sub.3.sup. total P NO.sub.3.sup. 10 10 10 10 LDH mass (g) min 48 h min 48 h min 48 h min 48 h Mg.sub.4Al 0.0998 0.41 0.03 0.32 0.38 60% 97% 36% 24% Mg.sub.3AlZn 0.1011 0.85 0.08 0.34 0.23 17% 92% 32% 54% Mg.sub.3AlFe 0.0996 0.07 0.02 0.53 0.42 94% 98% 6% 16% Mg.sub.3AlCu 0.1012 0.96 0.08 0.31 0.35 7% 93% 38% 30% initial concentration 1.03 0.50
(148) Table 9 shows total P and nitrate removal performance data for calcined, substituted Mg.sub.3AlX LDHs when using a high-strength model solution. The synthetic stormwater of the high-strength model solution contains 1.6 ppm P (from Na.sub.2HPO.sub.4) and 5 ppm NO.sub.3.sup. (from NaNO.sub.3) dissolved in deionized water. Again, the calcined Mg.sub.3AlFe LDH showed strong performance for total P removal on short time scales.
(149) TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 9 Total P and nitrate removal from 100 mL of high-strength model nutrient solution by calcined LDHs. nutrient concentration (ppm) nutrient % removal total P NO.sub.3.sup. total P NO.sub.3.sup. LDH mass (g) 10 min 48 h 10 min 48 h 10 min 48 h 10 min 48 h Mg.sub.4Al 0.1014 1.07 0.06 7.0 7.2 39% 97% 3% 6% Mg.sub.3AlZn 0.1004 1.55 0.73 6.8 7.0 12% 58% 0% 3% Mg.sub.3AlFe 0.1007 0.27 0.02 7.0 5.8 85% 99% 3% 15% Mg.sub.3AlCu 0.1013 1.60 0.38 7.8 7.8 8% 78% 15% 15% initial concentration 1.75 6.8
(150) Table 10 shows total P, total N, and nitrate removal performance data for calcined, substituted Mg.sub.4-yAlX.sub.y LDHs, where y=0.2, 0.4, and 1.0, in contact with synthetic stormwater for 10 minutes. The total P removal performance was similar for all of the tested materials on this short time scale. The formulations where X=Zn.sup.2+ and y=0.2 and 0.4 showed strong performance for total N and nitrate removal. The initial NO.sub.3.sup. concentration only represents 10% of the total N content, thus indicating that the formulation where X=Zn.sup.2+ or Fe.sup.2+ also removed organic N component (glycine) in the synthetic stormwater.
(151) TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 10 Total P, total N, and nitrate removal from 100 mL of synthetic stormwater by calcined LDHs, 10 min contact time. nutrient concentration mass (ppm) nutrient % removal LDH (g) total P total N NO.sub.3.sup. total P total N NO.sub.3.sup. Mg.sub.4Al 0.1018 0.27 5.4 0.24 74% 4% 53% Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2 0.1014 0.33 3.9 0.11 68% 30% 78% Mg.sub.3.6AlZn.sub.0.4 0.1002 0.26 3.4 0.20 75% 39% 60% Mg.sub.3AlZn 0.1003 0.34 7.0 0.23 67% 25% 54% Mg.sub.3.8AlFe.sub.0.2 0.1012 0.25 4.5 0.43 76% 20% 14% Mg.sub.3.6AlFe.sub.0.4 0.1006 0.34 3.8 0.28 67% 32% 44% Mg.sub.3AlFe 0.1008 0.31 5.0 0.48 70% 11% 4% Mg.sub.3.8AlCu.sub.0.2 0.1000 0.33 8.2 0.27 68% 46% 47% Mg.sub.3.6AlCu.sub.0.4 0.1003 0.31 4.9 0.22 70% 13% 56% Mg.sub.3AlCu 0.1001 0.38 4.1 0.26 63% 27% 48% initial concentration 1.03 5.6 0.50
(152) Table 11 shows total P, total N, and nitrate removal performance data for calcined, substituted Mg.sub.4-yAlX.sub.y LDHs, where y=0.2, 0.4, and 1.0, in contact with synthetic stormwater for 94 hours. The total P removal performance was >90% for all formulations on this time scale. The formulations where X=Zn.sup.2+ or Cu.sup.2+ and y=0.2 show strong performance for nitrate removal. Some of the formulations (e.g., Mg.sub.3.6AlZn.sub.0.4 and Mg.sub.3.6AlCu.sub.0.4) showed lower % removal for NO.sub.3.sup. at 94 h than at 10 min.
(153) TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 11 Total P, total N, and nitrate removal from 100 mL of synthetic stormwater by calcined LDHs, 94 h contact time. nutrient concentration nutrient % removal mass (ppm) total total LDH (g) total P total N NO.sub.3.sup. P N NO.sub.3.sup. Mg.sub.4Al 0.1018 0.10 4.3 0.21 97% 23% 58% Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2 0.1014 0.14 4.6 0.17 96% 18% 66% Mg.sub.3.6AlZn.sub.0.4 0.1002 0.21 4.4 0.38 93% 21% 24% Mg.sub.3AlZn 0.1003 0.23 5.4 0.49 93% 4% 2% Mg.sub.3.8AlFe.sub.0.2 0.1012 0.15 4.8 0.30 95% 14% 40% Mg.sub.3.6AlFe.sub.0.4 0.1006 0.19 5.1 0.22 94% 9% 56% Mg.sub.3AlFe 0.1008 0.10 5.8 0.21 97% 4% 58% Mg.sub.3.8AlCu.sub.0.2 0.1000 0.16 4.6 0.12 95% 18% 76% Mg.sub.3.6AlCu.sub.0.4 0.1003 0.12 5.3 0.38 96% 5% 24% Mg.sub.3AlCu 0.1001 0.13 4.5 0.27 96% 20% 47% initial 1.03 5.6 0.50 concentration
(154) Table 12 shows total P and nitrate removal performance data for calcined, substituted Mg.sub.4-yAlX.sub.y LDHs, where y=0.2, 04, and 1.0, in contact with a high-strength model solution for 10 minutes. The total P removal performance was strong for the formulations where X=Fe.sup.2+. The nitrate removal performance varied, however, it was generally consistent (10%) for each formulation in the group where X=Zn.sup.2+.
(155) TABLE-US-00014 TABLE 12 Total P and nitrate removal from 100 mL of high-strength, model solution by calcined LDHs, 10 min contact time. nutrient nutrient % concentration (ppm) removal LDH mass (g) total P NO.sub.3.sup. total P NO.sub.3.sup. Mg.sub.4Al 0.1009 1.28 7.2 20% 8% Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2 0.1013 1.44 7.0 10% 10% Mg.sub.3.6AlZn.sub.0.4 0.1010 1.48 6.8 7% 13% Mg.sub.3AlZn 0.1003 1.31 7.0 18% 10% Mg.sub.3.8AlFe.sub.0.2 0.1002 0.68 7.4 58% 5% Mg.sub.3.6AlFe.sub.0.4 0.1008 0.91 7.6 43% 3% Mg.sub.3AlFe 0.1015 0.80 6.4 50% 18% Mg.sub.3.8AlCu.sub.0.2 0.1007 1.37 6.6 14% 15% Mg.sub.3.6AlCu.sub.0.4 0.1016 1.36 7.4 15% 5% Mg.sub.3AlCu 0.1002 1.29 7.0 19% 10% initial concentration 1.60 7.8
(156) Table 13 shows total P and nitrate removal performance data for calcined, substituted Mg.sub.4-yAlX.sub.y LDHs, where y=0.2, 0.4, and 1.0, in contact with a high-strength model solution for 48 hours. The total P removal performance was >90% for all formulations where X=Fe.sup.2+ and Cu.sup.2+.
(157) TABLE-US-00015 TABLE 13 Total P and nitrate removal from 100 mL of high-strength, model solution by calcined LDHs, 48 h contact time. nutrient nutrient % concentration (ppm) removal LDH mass total P NO.sub.3.sup. total P NO.sub.3.sup. Mg.sub.4Al 0.1009 0.08 7.0 95% 10% Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2 0.1013 0.37 6.8 77% 13% Mg.sub.3.6AlZn.sub.0.4 0.1010 0.20 7.2 87% 8% Mg.sub.3AlZn 0.1003 0.06 7.0 97% 10% Mg.sub.3.8AlFe.sub.0.2 0.1002 0.04 7.4 98% 5% Mg.sub.3.6AlFe.sub.0.4 0.1008 0.07 6.8 96% 13% Mg.sub.3AlFe 0.1015 0.04 7.2 98% 8% Mg.sub.3.8AlCu.sub.0.2 0.1007 0.11 6.6 93% 15% Mg.sub.3.6AlCu.sub.0.4 0.1016 0.14 7.4 91% 5% Mg.sub.3AlCu 0.1002 0.06 7.0 96% 10% initial concentration 1.60 7.8
(158) To optimize the simultaneous removal of both P and nitrate, equal amounts of calcined Mg.sub.3.8AlFe.sub.0.2 and Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2LDHs were combined and tested. Table 14 shows total P, total N, and nitrate removal performance data for a mixture of calcined Mg.sub.3.8AlFe.sub.0.2 and Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2 (0.10 g each) LDHs in contact with synthetic stormwater. The total P and nitrate removal performance exceeded 65% for both target nutrients, even at low contact time. The total N removal performance was also above 10% indicating that some of the organic N fraction (in this case, glycine) was also removed. Similar results were obtained by using a lower loading of each LDH (0.05 g instead of 0.10 g), and those results are shown in Table 15.
(159) TABLE-US-00016 TABLE 14 Total P, total N, and nitrate removal from 100 mL of synthetic stormwater by a mixture of Mg.sub.3.8AlFe.sub.0.2 and Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2 (0.10 g each) calcined LDHs. nutrient concentration (ppm) nutrient % removal contact time total P total N NO.sub.3.sup. total P total N NO.sub.3.sup. 10 min 0.14 4.8 0.16 85% 14% 68% 48 h 0.03 3.5 0.01 97% 38% 98% initial 0.93 5.6 0.5 concentration
(160) TABLE-US-00017 TABLE 15 Total P, total N, and nitrate removal from 200 mL of synthetic stormwater by a mixture of Mg.sub.3.8AlFe.sub.0.2 and Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2 (0.05 g each) calcined LDHs. nutrient concentration (ppm) nutrient % removal contact time total P total N NO.sub.3.sup. total P total N NO.sub.3.sup. 10 min n.m. n.m. 0.26 50% 48 h 0.26 4.0 0.21 73% 11% 60% initial 0.97 4.5 0.52 concentration (n.m. = not measured)
(161) Table 16 shows total P and nitrate removal performance data for a mixture of Mg.sub.3.8AlFe.sub.0.2 and Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2 (0.10 g each) calcined LDHs in contact with a high-strength model solution. The total P and nitrate removal performance at 48 h contact time were both above 75% for each nutrient. This experiment shows that the mixture of the two LDHs gives improved performance for nitrate removal, even in the presence of a higher concentration of competing phosphate anions.
(162) TABLE-US-00018 TABLE 16 Total P, total N, and nitrate removal from 200 mL of high-strength model solution by a mixture of Mg.sub.3.8AlFe.sub.0.2 and Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2 (0.10 g each) calcined LDHs (n.m. = not measured). nutrient nutrient % concentration (ppm) removal contact time total P NO.sub.3.sup. total P NO.sub.3.sup. 10 min n.m. 6.2 21% 48 h 0.33 0.2 79% 97% initial concentration 1.62 7.8
Example 4: Preparation of Exemplary Hydrogels/Control Polymers
(163) A. Polyacrylamide (PAAm) Hydrogels
(164) Acrylamide (AAm), N,N-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA), and N,N,N,N-tetramethylethylenediamine (TEMED) were combined in water. Shown below are six exemplary solutions (volume of 10 mL) that were prepared, which encompass various mole ratios of monomer to crosslinker (AAm:MBA). 1. 3 g AAm, 75 L TEMED, 0.130 g MBA, 7 mL water (50:1 AAm:MBA) 2. 3 g AAm, 75 L TEMED, 0.065 g MBA, 7 mL water (100:1 AAm:MBA) 3. 3 g AAm, 75 L TEMED, 0.032 g MBA, 7 mL water (200:1 AAm:MBA) 4. 3 g AAm, 75 L TEMED, 0.013 g MBA, 7 mL water (500:1 AAm:MBA) 5. 3 g AAm, 75 L TEMED, 0.009 g MBA, 7 mL water (750:1 AAm:MBA) 6. 3 g AAm, 75 uL TEMED, 0.0065 g MBA, 7 mL water (1000:1 AAm:MBA)
(165) Next, 100 L of a 23% ammonium persulfate (APS) (230 mg APS in 0.88 mL water) was added to each 10 mL solution. After 1 hour of polymerization, the PAAm hydrogels were each placed in deionized (D1) water to wash for 7 days.
(166) B. Polyethylene (Glycol) Diacrylate (PEGDA) Hydrogels
(167) Polyethylene (glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) having an average molecular weight (MW) of 575 g/mol, N,N-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA), and N,N,N,N-tetramethylethylenediamine (TEMED) were combined in water. Shown below are four exemplary solutions (volume of 10 mL) that were prepared, which encompass various mole ratios of monomer to crosslinker (PEGDA:MBA). 1. 3 g PEGDA, 75 L TEMED, 0.016 g MBA, 7 mL water (50:1 PEGDA:MBA) 2. 3 g PEGDA, 75 L TEMED, 0.008 g MBA, 7 mL water (100:1 PEGDA:MBA) 3. 3 g PEGDA, 75 L TEMED, 0.0032 g MBA, 7 mL water (200:1 PEGDA:MBA) 4. 3 g PEGDA, 75 L TEMED, 0.0008 g MBA, 7 mL water (500:1 PEGDA:MBA)
(168) Next, 100 L of a 23% ammonium persulfate (APS) stock solution (230 mg APS in 0.88 mL water) was added to each 10 mL solution. After 1 hour of polymerization, the PEGDA hydrogels were each placed in deionized (DI) water to wash for 7 days.
Example 5: Preparation of Exemplary LDH-Gels
(169) Monomer (AAm or PEGDA having an average MW of 575 g/mol), N,N-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA, the crosslinker), and N,N,N,N-tetramethylethylenediamine (TEMED, the catalyst) were combined in water (volume of 10 mL). LDH particles were then added at a predetermined LDH particle loading to form a suspension. Shown below are general LDH particle loading guidelines as well as eight exemplary reaction mixtures that were prepared, which encompass various LDH particle loadings (1.0, 10, 50, and 100 mg/mL).
(170) LDH Particle Loading Guidelines:
(171) 1.0 mg/mL.fwdarw.10 mg LDH particles in 10 mL solution 10 mg/mL.fwdarw.100 mg LDH particles in 10 mL solution 50 mg/mL.fwdarw.0.5 g LDH particles in 10 mL solution 100 mg/mL.fwdarw.1.0 g LDH particles in 10 mL solution
1 mg/mL LDH Particle Suspensions in Water: 1. 3 g AAm, 75 L TEMED, 0.009 g MBA, 7 mL suspension (750:1 AAm:MBA)+10 mg LDH particles 2. 3 g PEGDA, 75 L TEMED, 0.0008 g MBA, 7 mL suspension (500:1 PEGDA:MBA)+10 mg LDH particles
10 mg/mL LDH Particle Suspensions in Water: 3. 3 g AAm, 75 L TEMED, 0.009 g MBA, 7 mL suspension (750:1 AAm:MBA)+100 mg LDH particles 4. 3 g PEGDA, 75 L TEMED, 0.0008 g MBA, 7 mL suspension (500:1 PEGDA:MBA)+100 mg LDH particles
50 mg/mL LDH Particle Suspensions in Water: 5. 3 g AAm, 75 L TEMED, 0.009 g MBA, 7 mL suspension (750:1 AAm:MBA)+0.5 g LDH particles 6. 3 g PEGDA, 75 L TEMED, 0.0008 g MBA, 7 mL suspension (500:1 PEGDA:MBA)+0.5 g LDH particles
100 mg/mL LDH Particle Suspensions in Water: 7. 3 g AAm, 75 L TEMED, 0.009 g MBA, 7 mL suspension (750:1 AAm:MBA)+1.0 g LDH particles 8. 3 g PEGDA, 75 L TEMED, 0.0008 g MBA, 7 mL suspension (500:1 PEGDA:MBA)+1.0 g LDH particles
(172) Each of the above-described reaction mixtures was divided into 600 L sample reaction mixtures. 6 L of a 23% ammonium persulfate (APS) stock solution (230 mg APS in 0.88 mL water) was added to each 1600 L sample. After 1 hour of polymerization, the LDH-gels were each placed in deionized (DI) water to wash for 7 days.
Example 6: Testing Exemplary LDH-Gels
(173) Exemplary LDH-gels were prepared according to Example 4 with equal amounts of Fe-5 (Mg.sub.3.8AlFe.sub.2) and Zn-5 (Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2) LDH particles in each LDH-gel at various loadings (e.g., 1 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL, and 100 mg/mL). After synthesis and before testing, the LDH-gels were broken into chunks (0.5-1 cm in diameter) and washed repeatedly until the total nitrogen (N) content of the wash water was measured below 0.5 ppm. All experiments were carried out by packing LDH-gels into 60-mL syringes with gauze filters covering the outlet. The quantity of media (LDH-gel) loaded into each column was based on the LDH particle mass. The 10 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL, and 100 mg/mL loadings corresponded to 100 mg, 0.5 g, and 1.0 g of total LDH particles per column, respectively, to control for the density/water absorption differences between PEGDA and PAAm.
(174) Control polymers (PEGDA and PAAm hydrogels) containing no LDH particles were loaded at comparable total volumes (approximately 20 mL for PEGDA and 60 mL for PAAm). As shown in the
(175) In general, these results show that, even at short contact times (10 min), the nitrate removal capabilities are retained by the LDHs once they are encapsulated in the hydrogel matrices. In particular, the LDH-gels containing both Fe-5 (Mg.sub.3.8AlFe.sub.0.2) and Zn-5 (Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2) LDH particles show improved NO.sub.3.sup. removal performance compared to LDH-gels containing only Zn-5 (Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2) LDH particles.
(176) TABLE-US-00019 TABLE 17 Total P and nitrate removal from 100 mL of synthetic stormwater by LDH-gels, 10 min contact time. LDH loading = 10 mg/mL. calcined LDH and nutrient nutrient % LDH-gel approximate mass concentration (ppm) removal name (g) total P NO.sub.3.sup. total P NO.sub.3.sup. Zn-AAm Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2 (0.10) 0.98 0.21 0% 60% Zn-PEGDA Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2 (0.10) 0.88 0.47 10% 10% Zn + Fe- Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2 (0.05) 0.95 0.42 3% 19% AAm Mg.sub.3.8AlFe.sub.0.2 (0.05) Zn + Fe- Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2 (0.05) 0.88 0.26 11% 50% PEGDA Mg.sub.3.8AlFe.sub.0.2 (0.05) initial concentration 0.98 0.52
(177) TABLE-US-00020 TABLE 18 Total P and nitrate removal from 100 mL of synthetic stormwater by LDH-gels, 48 h contact time (n.m. = not measured). LDH loading = 10 mg/mL. calcined LDH and nutrient nutrient % LDH-gel approximate mass concentration (ppm) removal name (g) total P NO.sub.3.sup. total P NO.sub.3.sup. Zn-AAm Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2 (0.10) n.m. 0.46 12% Zn-PEGDA Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2 (0.10) 0.33 0.41 66% 21% Zn + Fe- Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2 (0.05) n.m. 0.40 23% AAm Mg.sub.3.8AlFe.sub.0.2 (0.05) Zn + Fe- Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2 (0.05) 0.29 0.20 70% 62% PEGDA Mg.sub.3.8AlFe.sub.0.2 (0.05) initial concentration 0.98 0.52
(178) TABLE-US-00021 TABLE 19 Total P and nitrate removal from 100 mL of high-strength model solution by LDH-gels, 10 min contact time. LDH loading = 10 mg/mL. calcined LDH and nutrient nutrient % LDH-gel approximate mass concentration (ppm) removal name (g) total P NO.sub.3.sup. total P NO.sub.3.sup. Zn-AAm Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2 (0.10) 1.70 5.8 1% 26% Zn-PEGDA Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2 (0.10) 1.60 6.4 6% 18% Zn + Fe- Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2 (0.05) 1.98 6.2 16% 21% AAm Mg.sub.3.8AlFe.sub.0.2 (0.05) Zn + Fe- Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2 (0.05) 1.58 7.2 8% 8% PEGDA Mg.sub.3.8AlFe.sub.0.2 (0.05) initial concentration 1.71 7.8
(179) TABLE-US-00022 TABLE 20 Total P and nitrate removal from 100 mL of high-strength model solution by LDH-gels, 48 h contact time (n.m. = not measured). LDH loading = 10 mg/mL. calcined LDH and nutrient nutrient % LDH-gel approximate mass concentration (ppm) removal name (g) total P NO.sub.3.sup. total P NO.sub.3.sup. Zn-AAm Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2 (0.10) n.m. 3.6 54% Zn-PEGDA Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2 (0.10) 0.21 5.1 88% 35% Zn + Fe- Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2 (0.05) n.m. 3.9 50% AAm Mg.sub.3.8AlFe.sub.0.2 (0.05) Zn + Fe- Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2 (0.05) 0.12 4.9 93% 37% PEGDA Mg.sub.3.8AlFe.sub.0.2 (0.05) initial concentration 1.71 7.8
(180) TABLE-US-00023 TABLE 21 Total P and nitrate removal from 100 mL of synthetic stormwater by LDH-gels, single-pass column experiment. LDH loading = 10 mg/mL. calcined LDH and nutrient nutrient % LDH-gel approximate mass concentration (ppm) removal name (g) total P NO.sub.3.sup. total P NO.sub.3.sup. Zn-AAm Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2 (0.10) 1.04 0.41 5% 22 Zn-PEGDA Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2 (0.10) 1.01 0.37 3% 29 Zn + Fe- Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2 (0.05) 0.88 0.29 10 44 AAm Mg.sub.3.8AlFe.sub.0.2 (0.05) Zn + Fe- Mg.sub.3.8AlZn.sub.0.2 (0.05) 1.08 0.35 10% 33 PEGDA Mg.sub.3.8AlFe.sub.0.2 (0.05) initial concentration 0.98 0.52
(181) For reasons of completeness, various aspects of the technology are set out in the following numbered embodiments:
(182) Embodiment 1. A layered double hydroxide (LDH), the LDH comprising: a compound of formula Mg.sub.4-yAlX.sub.y(OH).sub.2, wherein:
(183) ##STR00003##
(184) Embodiment 2. The layered double hydroxide of embodiment 1, wherein X is Zn.sup.+2.
(185) Embodiment 3. The layered double hydroxide of embodiment 1, wherein X is Fe.sup.+2.
(186) Embodiment 4. The layered double hydroxide of any one of embodiments 1-3, wherein 0.2y1.
(187) Embodiment 5. The layered double hydroxide of any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein y is 0.2.
(188) Embodiment 6. The layered double hydroxide of any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein y is 0.4.
(189) Embodiment 7. The layered double hydroxide of any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein y is 1.
(190) Embodiment 8. A layered double hydroxide hydrogel (LDH-gel), the LDH-gel comprising a hydrogel and at least one layered double hydroxide (LDH), the at least one LDH comprising: a compound of formula Mg.sub.4-yAlX.sub.y(OH).sub.2, wherein:
(191) ##STR00004##
(192) Embodiment 9. The LDH-gel of embodiment 8, wherein the hydrogel comprises polyethylene (glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), polyacrylamide (PAAm), or combinations thereof.
(193) Embodiment 10. The LDH-gel of embodiment 8 or 9, wherein the hydrogel comprises polyethylene (glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA).
(194) Embodiment 11. The LDH-gel of embodiment 8 or 9, wherein the hydrogel comprises polyacrylamide (PAAm).
(195) Embodiment 12. The LDH-gel of any one of embodiments 8-11, wherein X is Zn.sup.+2.
(196) Embodiment 13. The LDH-gel of any one of embodiments 8-11, wherein X is Fe.sup.+2.
(197) Embodiment 14. The LDH-gel of any one of embodiments 8-13, wherein the LDH-gel comprises more than one LDH comprising a compound of formula Mg.sub.4-yAlX.sub.y(OH).sub.2.
(198) Embodiment 15. The LDH-gel of any one of embodiments 8-14, wherein the LDH-gel comprises a first LDH comprising a compound of formula Mg.sub.4-yAlX.sub.y(OH).sub.2 where X is Zn.sup.+2 and a second LDH comprising a compound of formula Mg.sub.4-yAlX.sub.y(OH).sub.2 where X is Fe.sup.+2.
(199) Embodiment 16. The LDH-gel of any one of embodiments 8-15, wherein 0.2y1.
(200) Embodiment 17. The LDH-gel of any one of embodiments 8-16, wherein y is 0.2.
(201) Embodiment 18. The LDH-gel of any one of embodiments 8-16, wherein y is 1.
(202) Embodiment 19. The LDH-gel of any one of embodiments 8-18, wherein the LDH-gel is in the form of a bead.
(203) Embodiment 20. A method of preparing layered double hydroxide (LDH) particles, the method comprising: preparing a metal ion solution comprising magnesium chloride (MgCl.sub.2), aluminum chloride (AlCl.sub.3), and a transition metal chloride (XCl.sub.2); adding a 2 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution to the metal ion solution to form a first suspension comprising the LDH particles; centrifuging the first suspension and decanting a first supernatant or filtering the LDH particles; exposing the LDH particles to a 2 M sodium carbonate (Na.sub.2CO.sub.3) solution to form a second suspension comprising the LDH particles; centrifuging the second suspension and decanting a second supernatant or filtering the LDH particles; washing the LDH particles; drying the LDH particles; and calcining the LDH particles.
(204) Embodiment 21. The method of embodiment 20, wherein washing comprises a first washing step, a second washing step, and a third washing step, wherein: the first washing step comprises washing the LDH particles with a solution comprising sodium carbonate (Na.sub.2CO.sub.3), and the second and third washing steps comprise washing the LDH particles with pure water.
(205) Embodiment 22. The method of embodiment 20 or 21, wherein the transition metal chloride is MnCl.sub.2, CuCl.sub.2, ZnCl.sub.2, or FeCl.sub.2.
(206) Embodiment 23. The method of any one of embodiments 20-22, wherein calcining the LDH particles occurs at a temperature of 350 C. to 550 C.
(207) Embodiment 24. The method of any one of embodiments 20-23, wherein the LDH particles comprise: a compound of formula Mg.sub.4-yAlX.sub.y(OH).sub.2, wherein:
(208) ##STR00005##
(209) Embodiment 25. The method of any one of embodiments 20-24, wherein X is Zn.sup.+2.
(210) Embodiment 26. The method of any one of embodiments 20-25, wherein X is Fe.sup.+2.
(211) Embodiment 27. A method of making a layered double hydroxide gel (LDH-gel), the method comprising: forming a mixture, the mixture comprising: a monomer, a crosslinker, a catalyst, and LDH particles prepared according to embodiment 20; adding an initiator to the mixture while stirring the mixture; allowing the mixture to form a solid; and washing the solid.
(212) Embodiment 28. The method of embodiment 27, wherein after allowing the mixture to form a solid, and before washing the solid, the solid is broken into pieces.
(213) Embodiment 29. The method of embodiment 27 or 28, wherein the method comprises: forming the mixture in water; and adding the mixture in water to an oil to form a water-in-oil emulsion.
(214) Embodiment 30. The method of any one of embodiments 27-29, wherein the oil is paraffin oil.
(215) Embodiment 31. The method of any one of embodiments 27-30, wherein the monomer is acrylamide (AAm) or polyethylene (glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA).
(216) Embodiment 32. The method of any one of embodiments 27-31, wherein the PEGDA monomer has an average molecular weight of 575 g/mol.
(217) Embodiment 33. The method of any one of embodiments 27-32, wherein ammonium persulfate (APS) is the initiator.
(218) Embodiment 34. The method of any one of embodiments 27-33, wherein N,N,N,N-tetramethylethylenediamine (TEMED) is the catalyst.
(219) Embodiment 35. The method of any one of embodiments 27-34, wherein N,N-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) is the crosslinker.
(220) Embodiment 36. A filter, comprising an LDH-gel made according to any one of embodiments 27-35.