Optimization, equilibrium, adsorption behaviour of Cu/Zn/Fe LDH and LDHBC composites towards atrazine reclamation in an aqueous environment

Cu-Zn-Fe Layered double hydroxides (LDH) and LDH dispersed on bamboo biochar (LDHBC) was used to study the adsorption of Atrazine by characterizing the adsorption kinetics, isotherms and response surface methodology (RSM) to reveal interactive effects of pH, adsorbent dosage and adsorbate initial concentration towards LDH optimum performance. The estimate of parameters determined for Langmuir isotherm quantities were in the range (21.84-37.91 mg/g) for LDH and (63.64-87.04 mg/g) for LDHBC. Regeneration and reusability after five cycles detected that the adsorption efficiencies of the adsorbents were reduced to 36% for LDH and 66% for LDHBC. Box Behnken design analysis could further reveal optimized conditions for higher Atrazine removal by LDH up to 74.8%. The adsorption mechanisms could be determined by pi-pi interactions occurring at the interfaces by hydrogen bonding and pore filling effects.

Automated summary

Cu-Zn-Fe layered double hydroxides and LDH dispersed on bamboo biochar were used to study the adsorption of Atrazine, revealing that LDH could achieve up to 74.8% removal under optimized conditions. The adsorption mechanisms were likely governed by hydrogen bonding and pi-pi interactions at the interfaces.