Adsorption and intercalation of anionic surfactants onto layered double hydroxides - XRD study

Layered double hydroxides (LDH) with brucite like structure was modified with various anionic surfactants containing sulfonate, carboxyl, phosphonate and sulfate end group through ion-exchange method. XRD reports indicated that the sulfonate group containing surfactants led to an adsorption process whereas the sulfate, carboxyl and phosphonate group containing surfactant led to an intercalation process. This can be evidenced from the change in basal spacing of LDH. The presence of anionic surfactants in the LDH was supported by FTIR spectroscopy. The FTIR spectrum indicated that complete removal of carbonate anion from the inter layer space of LDH is very difficult. The phosphonate intercalated HT showed less thermal stability than pristine LDH.