Acetaminophen Removal in Aqueous Solutions via Enhanced Fenton-Like Degradation by Copper-Nickel Based Layered Double Hydroxides

Abstract

Layered double hydroxides (LDH) exhibit macromolecular behavior due to their layered structure, providing unique properties that make them suitable for various applications. Their crystal structure allows for intercalation of various species, demonstrating excellent thermal stability and mechanical strength. Synthesis methods, such as co-precipitation, ion exchange, and hydrothermal techniques, enable the preparation of well-defined LDH macromolecules with tailored characteristics. These materials find applications in catalysis, drug delivery systems, environmental remediation processes, and energy storage devices. Our research described here an LDH material based on nickel, copper, and aluminum was synthesized, characterized and used as a catalyst for the oxidation of Acetaminophen (Ac) using H2O2. Our materials were created using the co-precipitation process at a constant pH. Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy (RAMAN), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) were used to characterize the synthesized material. The material was crystalline and devoid of contaminants, according to the characterization. The CuNiAl-CO3 material was used to catalyze the elimination of the Ac (1 g.L−1) from an aqueous solution. The amount of the LDH, the molar ratio (oxidant/pollutant), the temperature, and the pH were among the experimental factors that were modified to get superior results. The kinetic analysis revealed that using 3 g L−1 of LDH with a molar ratio (oxidant/pollutant) of 2.5 for 3 h at room temperature and without modification of the pH of the solution resulted in a complete degradation of the Ac, and that our LDH performed best in acidic conditions.