In situ synthesis of layered double hydroxides on γ-Al₂O₃ and its application in chromium(VI) removal

Mg-Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) adsorbent was synthesized in situ on γ-Al₂O₃ for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. The material was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electronic microscopy and thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis. Compared to the LDHs powder, the calcined LDHs sorbent prepared in situ on γ-Al₂O₃ had higher specific surface area and was easy to recover and reuse. The adsorptive capacity for removing Cr(VI) from aqueous solution was resulting from the memory effect of LDHs based on the XRD results. Both the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir model fit the experimental data well. Furthermore, the adsorbent exhibits excellent sorption–regeneration performances.