Formation Of Layered Double Hydroxides Research Articles

Formation of Cr-based layered double hydroxide: effect of the amendments.

Chromium is one of the eight most popular inorganic soil pollutants in China, and its bioavailability is determined by the chemical states. Amendments, which are able to change the chemical forms of chromium and decrease its bioavailability, have received considerable attention in recent years. In this work, the formation of Cr-based layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and the immobilization of Cr in solution and soil were systemically investigated. The formation of Cr-based LDHs is strongly depended on the layer charges, aging temperatures and reaction time, as identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectrum. According to the pot experiment results, the concentration of Cr in the overground part of Brassica Chinensis L. was significantly decreased to 1.50-2.03µg kg- 1 in the present of amendments. In total, the finding of LDHs formation on amendments and the thermodynamic stability of LDHs provides a new insight into the remediation of Cr-polluted soils.

Vital Role of Synthesis Temperature in Co–Cu Layered Hydroxides and Their Fenton-like Activity for RhB Degradation

Cu and Co have shown superior catalytic performance to other transitional elements, and layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have presented advantages over other heterogeneous Fenton catalysts. However, there have been few studies about Co–Cu LDHs as catalysts for organic degradation via the Fenton reaction. Here, we prepared a series of Co–Cu LDH catalysts by a co-precipitation method under different synthesis temperatures and set Rhodamine B (RhB) as the target compound. The structure-performance relationship and the influence of reaction parameters were explored. A study of the Fenton-like reaction was conducted over Co–Cu layered hydroxide catalysts, and the variation of synthesis temperature greatly influenced their Fenton-like catalytic performance. The Co–Cut=65°C catalyst with the strongest LDH structure showed the highest RhB removal efficiency (99.3% within 30 min). The change of synthesis temperature induced bulk-phase transformation, structural distortion, and metal–oxygen (M–O) modification. An appropriate temperature improved LDH formation with defect sites and lengthened M–O bonds. Co–Cu LDH catalysts with a higher concentration of defect sites promoted surface hydroxide formation for H2O2 adsorption. These oxygen vacancies (Ovs) promoted electron transfer and H2O2 dissociation. Thus, the Co–Cu LDH catalyst is an attractive alternative organic pollutants treatment.

Corrosion protection of Zn–Al–Mg‐coated steel by a layered double hydroxide conversion layer

AbstractConversion layers produced on an industrial scale are typically based on phosphates or chromates and involve toxicological and environmental problematic treatment solutions and waste. Concerning this matter, layered double hydroxide (LDH)‐based conversion layers prepared by the process described in our study offer a promising alternative where the treatment solution comes with no environmental or toxicological concerns. The corrosion protection of Zn–Al–Mg (ZM)‐coated steel by an in situ grown LDH conversion layer is investigated by potentiodynamic polarization measurements, linear polarization resistance determination, neutral salt spray test and mass loss test. An LDH layer formation time as short as 30 s considerably improves the corrosion resistance of ZM‐coated steel in electrochemical testing as well as in industrially relevant corrosion testing under chloride‐containing atmospheres. With prolonged LDH formation times, further improvement in corrosion protection is obtained. The significantly increased corrosion resistance of ZM‐coated steel after the industrially feasible treatment time of 30 s makes LDH‐based conversion layers a promising candidate for novel industrially viable conversion layers, with enhanced corrosion performance and environmentally benign as well as sustainable chemistry.

Highly reversible Zn anode with a practical areal capacity enabled by a sustainable electrolyte and superacid interfacial chemistry

<h2>Summary</h2> Aqueous zinc-metal batteries are plagued by poor Zn reversibility owing to zinc dendrite and layered double hydroxide (LDH) formation. Here, we introduce a novel additive—N,N-dimethylformamidium trifluoromethanesulfonate (DOTf)—in a low-cost aqueous electrolyte that can very effectively address these issues. The initial water-assisted dissociation of DOTf into triflic superacid creates a robust nanostructured solid-electrolyte interface (SEI)—revealed by <i>operando</i> spectroscopy and cryomicroscopy—which excludes water and enables dense Zn deposition. We demonstrate excellent Zn plating/stripping in a Zn||Cu asymmetric cell for more than 3,500 cycles. Furthermore, near 100% CE is realized at a combined high current density of 4 mA cm⁻² and an areal capacity of 4 mAh cm⁻² over long-term cycling. Zn||Zn_0.25V₂O₅·nH₂O full cells retain ∼83% of their capacity after 1,000 cycles with mass-limited Zn anodes. By restricting the depth of discharge, the cathodes exhibit less proton intercalation and LDH formation with an extended lifetime of 2,000 cycles.

Carbonate-free CoAl layered double hydroxides supercapacitors: Controlled precipitation via acid mediated decomplexation

Layered double hydroxides (LDH) belong to a class of highly versatile compounds used in a myriad of applications such as energy storage, catalysis, heavy metal adsorption, etc. Given the high tunability of its structure, ranging from different metal cations to different types of intercalations, LDH can be readily customised to suit the intended applications. One of the inherent problem of LDH lies in their carbonate contamination. The presence of CO32− anions in the intercalation greatly affects the versatility and tunability of LDH. Carbonate intercalation also poses as an interfering species for reactions involving carbonate as intermediates or final products. Unfortunately, existing synthesis procedures of LDH produce either carbonates during the precipitating process or poorly crystallised LDH that absorbs atmospheric carbon dioxide to form carbonates during the drying process; either way results in carbonate contaminated LDH. In this work, we address the problem with the use of ethylenediamine (EDA) complexation followed by controlled decomplexation to prepare CoAl LDH (LDH-EDA). It is shown that the obtained LDH-EDA is carbonate-free and outperforms the CoAl LDH obtained using conventional urea method (LDH-Urea) in terms of crystallinity, surface area and pseudocapacitive properties. Through a detailed experimental and computational study of the preparation mechanism, we propose that ammonium nitrate acts as an acid that mediates the decomplexation of the cobalt (II) trisethylenediamine complex, freeing Co2+ ion in a control manner for the second precipitation process. The multistep process has allowed a controlled rate of formation of LDH, resulting in the highly crystalline LDH-EDA microstructures with pure nitrate intercalation and a flower-like morphology.

In situ synergistic strategy of sacrificial intermedium for scalable-manufactured and controllable layered double hydroxide film

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs), a class of two-dimensional (2D) brucite-like layers, have been effectively applied in diverse fields. However, the current synthesis methods restrict the in situ scaling-up and tunable production of LDH-based materials. Inspired by the growing characteristic of “Bryophyllum pinnatum”, a sacrificial co-sputtered Zn−Al transition layer was introduced for the first time to in situ grow a scalable-manufactured and thickness-controllable LDH film on arbitrary substrate materials with flexible shapes through “partial dissolution” and “solution infiltration” processes. Diverse LDH films could be tailored by the creative regulation of the component, structure and surface state of the transition layer. Results showed that the as-prepared LDH film had strong mechanical robustness under harsh abrasion conditions due to its large thickness and multi-level microstructure. Moreover, a series of galvanic couple model experiments based on Zn/Al single-metal transition layers were designed to solve the real-time monitoring issue in the complex hydrothermal solution. This work not only develops a new strategy to design and grow in situ LDH films with multifaceted features, but also reveals sophisticated LDH formation mechanisms. Hence, the findings of this study may broaden the practical application of LDH-based materials toward advanced and smart devices.

Environmentally Friendly Layered Double Hydroxide Conversion Layers: Formation Kinetics on Zn-Al-Mg-Coated Steel.

Phosphate- or chromate-based industrially produced conversion layers, while effectively increasing adhesion for organic coatings and corrosion resistance, come at the cost of environmentally problematic and harmful treatment solutions and waste. In this respect, layered double hydroxide (LDH)-based conversion layers offer an environmentally benign alternative without toxicologically concerning compounds in the treatment solution. Here, we study an LDH conversion layer on Zn–Al–Mg-coated steel (ZM-coated steel), which was produced by immersion into a carbonate- and magnesium-containing alkaline solution. The mechanism and kinetics of the conversion layer formation were investigated with in situ open circuit potential measurements, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Acceleration of the LDH layer formation through high convection in the treatment solution was found. This was attributed to a higher oxygen availability at the metal/solution interface because no diffusion-limited state during the layer formation is reached due to high convection. The importance of oxygen within the kinetics indicates a corrosion-like mechanism, with cathodic and anodic sites on the steel sample. The LDH formation happens by co-precipitation of ions present in the treatment solution and dissolved ions from the ZM-coated steel. With CV, SEM, and X-ray diffraction, the growth of the LDH conversion layer was investigated with respect to the immersion time. It was found that after 30 s, the sample surface was almost fully covered with an LDH layer, and with the increasing immersion time, the layer grows in thickness. Increased understanding on the kinetics and mechanism of the LDH conversion layer formation on ZM-coated steel gives rise to a targeted optimization of the treatment solution and process parameters.

Order and Disorder in Layered Double Hydroxides: Lessons Learned from the Green Rust Sulfate─Nikischerite Series

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) occur naturally and are synthesized for catalysis, drug delivery, and contaminant remediation. They consist of Me(II)–Me(III) hydroxide sheets separated by hydrated interlayers and weakly held anions. Often, LDHs are nanocrystalline, and sheet stacking and Me(II)–Me(III) arrangement can be disordered, which influences the reactivity and complicates structural characterization. We have used pair distribution function (PDF) analysis to provide detailed information about local and medium range order (≤9 nm) and to determine the structure of synthetic Fe(II)–Fe(III)/Al(III) LDH. The data are consistent with ordered Me(II) and Me(III) in hydroxide sheets, where structural coherence along the c axis decreases with increasing Al content. The PDF for Fe(II)–Al(III) LDH (nikischerite) is best matched by a pattern for a single metal hydroxide sheet. Parallel to decreased structural coherence between layers, coherence within layers decreased to ∼6 nm for synthetic nikischerite. Thus, the length scale of atomic ordering decreased within and between the sheets, resulting in mosaic crystals with coherent scattering domains decreasing in all directions. The high density of grain boundary terminations would affect reactivity. Based on classical nucleation theory and the Kossel crystal growth model, we propose that loss of structural coherence stems from increased supersaturation and the presence of Al-hydroxides during the formation of the Al-rich LDH.

In-situ formation of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) in sodium aluminate activated slag: The role of Al-O tetrahedra

Alkali activated materials (AAMs) have gained great attention as a new low-carbon binder. However, their durability performance, e.g. chloride ingress resistance, still needs further improvement. This study attempts to enhance the chloride binding of AAMs by activating slag with sodium aluminate with the aim to promote the in-situ formation of layered double hydroxides (LDHs). The evolution of pH and ions in the pore solution, reaction products and microstructure were determined to investigate the dynamic activation process. Results show that the sodium aluminate stabilizes the pH environment at around 12.7 during the curing ages. The Mg-Al-LDH with higher Al-O tetrahedra (denoted as Al(OH)4−) contents is promoted, enhancing the chloride absorption capacity. A new reaction mechanism is proposed to describe the activation process. This study reveals that the extra Al(OH)4−in a relatively low pH environment prevents the competition between Mg2+ and Si-O tetrahedra to react with Al(OH)4−, promoting the formation of LDH and C(N)-A-S-H simultaneously.

Facile preparation of wear-resistant and anti-corrosion films on magnesium alloy

ABSTRACT Hydrothermal treatment was adopted to address the wear and corrosion problems that are common when using magnesium alloys. Films consisting of magnesium hydroxide and Mg–Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) were formed on the AZ31 Mg alloy via hydrothermal treatment in deionised water and an alkaline solution containing aluminium ions, respectively. It was found that the presence of aluminium and hydroxyl ions in the hydrothermal solution significantly promoted LDH formation. Performance testing for the obtained films showed that their tribological properties and corrosion resistance were significantly improved compared to those of the Mg alloy. Furthermore, the film prepared in an alkaline solution containing aluminium ions exhibited a more stable friction coefficient, a lower wear rate, and a superior corrosion resistance, which were associated with the increased LDH content. This study, therefore, presents a facile and promising method for the development of highly wear-resistant and anti-corrosion surfaces for Mg alloys.

High-Efficiency Removal of Antibiotics by Self-Assembly Formation of Layered Double Hydroxides in Wastewater

High-Efficiency Removal of Antibiotics by Self-Assembly Formation of Layered Double Hydroxides in Wastewater

Influence of metakaolin and limestone on chloride binding of slag activated by mixed magnesium oxide and sodium hydroxide

The layered double hydroxides (LDH) formed in alkali-activated slag (AAS), i.e. hydrotalcite and AFm phases, play a considerable role in its chloride binding behaviours. In addition to slag chemistry, the formation of LDH and chloride binding capacity of AAS are highly influenced by the activator composition and incorporation of other precursors. Considering their potential in enhancing LDH formation, this study investigates the influence of metakaolin and limestone incorporation on the phase assemblages, composition, and chloride binding capacity of AAS activated by mixed reactive magnesium oxide (MgO)-sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The results show that the chloride binding capacity of AAS is increased by up to 50% with 20% metakaolin or limestone substitution. However, different mechanisms for the binding enhancement are proposed for these two blended AAS systems. For metakaolin-blended AAS, the hydrotalcite formation is probably limited by the mobility of the dissolved Mg during MgO hydration and its interaction with dissolved Al from metakaolin; thus the increased chloride binding is primarily attributed to the sorption by C-A-S-H and formation of chloride-bearing chabazite. For limestone-blended AAS, carbonate-AFm phase is identified which enhances the formation of Friedel's salt and its polymorphs, thus showing increased binding capacity. These findings suggest that the enhanced chloride resistance of AAS materials could be achieved with the use of combinational raw precursors if appropriately designed.

The determination of synthesis conditions and color properties of pigments based on layered double hydroxides with Co as a guest cation

Nail polish, in particular gel polish, is the most commonly used cosmetic product. A component of the gel polish, which determines the consumer color characteristics of the gel polish. Layered double hydroxides (LDH) are promising pigments. To expand the range of colors and shades of pigments, the use of LDH with colored host and guest cations is promising. The parameters of synthesis and color characteristics of samples of Zn-Co and Cu-Co hydroxide pigments were studied. To obtain LDH with Co as a guest cation in the synthesis, the conversion of cobalt to the trivalent state was carried out at a temperature of 80 °C using oxidation with atmospheric oxygen or sodium hypochlorite. The oxidation efficiency was evaluated by X-ray phase analysis by the presence or absence of cobalt-containing phases. The color characteristics of the synthesized pigment samples were studied by spectroscopic measurement and calculation in RGB, CIELab, and LCH color models. The low efficiency of cobalt oxidation at the moment of Zn-Co LDH synthesis with atmospheric oxygen at an elevated synthesis temperature of 80 °C was shown, while cobalt was released as a separate Co3O4 phase. A higher efficiency of cobalt oxidation at the moment of synthesis using sodium hypochlorite with the formation of Zn-Co LDH was revealed. It is recommended to use the hypochlorite oxidation of Co2+ to Co3+ in the LDH synthesis with Co in the form of a guest cation. The formation of a separate phase of zinc oxide was found in both types of oxidation due to the thermal decomposition of zinc hydroxide. Comparative analysis of color characteristics showed that all samples have a brown color of different saturation. It was revealed that during the formation of Co-containing LDH, the lightness of the color decreases. Color saturation increases in the case of a colored host cation, such as Cu.

Self-assembly of corrosion inhibitors-intercalated layered double hydroxides (LDHs) in cementitious systems

This work investigates the self-assembly of corrosion inhibitor-intercalated layered double hydroxides (LDHs) in cementitious systems. The impacts of inorganic and organic corrosion inhibitors (i.e., sodium nitrite, sodium benzoate, and sodium molybdate) on the intercalation chemistry and chloride-induced transformation of LDHs in ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) pastes are revealed. The results show that direct admixing of inorganic or organic inhibitors results in spontaneous formation of inhibitors-intercalated LDHs (i.e., NO2-AFm, C6H5COO-AFm, and MoO4-AFm), regardless of binder chemistry. The sequestrated anodic inhibitors in cementitious systems are released upon exposure to chloride, accompanied by simultaneous formation of Friedel's salts (Cl-AFm). The incorporation of anodic inhibitors has little influence on the chloride binding capacity of OPC and LC3 pastes, but impacts their chloride resistance via pore structure modification. This research advances our understanding of the physicochemical roles of admixed anodic inhibitors in cementitious systems.

Preparation of layered double hydroxide films using an electrodeposition and subsequent crystal growth method

AbstractThe surface coating of a gas reaction electrode with layered double hydroxides (LDHs) featuring various electrode catalyst activities was prepared via electrodeposition and the subsequent crystal growth of LDHs. LDH formation was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and Raman scattering measurements after subsequent crystal growth on respective electrodeposited precursor films in Ni-Fe and Zn-Al LDH systems. However, the crystal growth of LDHs in Ni-Mn and Cu-Mn systems was observed on the Mg-Al LDH-electrodeposited films. LDH films were also deposited on the surface of a carbon paper electrode with a rugged surface via electrodeposition and subsequent crystal growth. Using the prepared LDH-coated carbon paper electrodes, the electrode catalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was examined. For Ni-Mn, Ni-Al and Ni-Fe LDH-coated carbon paper electrodes, the threshold voltages of the ORR decreased. Hence, the LDHs electrodeposited on a gas reaction electrode have high electrochemical catalytic activity for the ORR.

Technical aspects of selected minerals transformation to LDH-containing materials: The structure, chemistry and affinity towards As(V)

Layered double hydroxides (LDH) are promising materials with applications in industry, including wastewater treatment. Consequently, great emphasis is placed on developing methods to obtain those materials at the lowest possible cost. This work investigated using magnesite, dolomite, halloysite/kaolinite and hematite as substrates for the synthesis of LDH-containing materials. All the obtained materials were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM and chemical analysis. Their specific surface area and zeta potential were determined. The results showed, that pre-treatment of raw mineral precursors is unnecessary for efficient extraction of metal ions. The co-precipitation synthesis parameters were reduced to ageing at room temperature for a short period of time (2 h) leading to a successful formation of LDH in all samples. Depending on the used substrates, the materials showed minor differences in structural properties. However, despite that, all the materials exhibited a very high affinity towards As(V) (645.2–1483.2 mmol/kg). Therefore the described synthesis approach is promising in terms of future large-scale applications of LDH in wastewater treatment.

Enhanced NH3 sensing performance at ppb level derived from Ti3C2Tx-supported ZnTi-LDHs nanocomposite with similar metal-semiconductor heterostructure

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are attracting increased attention in the field of gas sensor owing to their high specific surface and interlayer modifiability. However, the general tendency to restacking and poor conductivity significantly affect the performance of the gas sensor based on LDHs towards rarefied gas. To resolve these problems, we successfully constructed the MXene (Ti3C2Tx)-supported ZnTi-LDHs (LDHs/Ti3C2Tx) nanocomposite with loose heterostructure by one-step hydrothermal method based on electrostatic ordered self-assembly. The LDHs uniformly wrapped on Ti3C2Tx nanosheets form a highly synergistic similar metal-semiconductor contact with Ti3C2Tx, and the formed anti-barrier layer (ABL) has a trapping effect on the electrons generated by NH3-sensing. Meanwhile, the formation of tiny LDHs might be ascribed to the effect of Ti atoms in Ti3C2Tx, which is confirmed by first-principles calculations. Benefiting from similar metal-semiconductor heterostructure and the effect of Ti atoms in Ti3C2Tx, the electrical conductivity and the adsorption active sites are prominently improved, which are essential for the enhancement of sensitivity to rarefied gas. The gas sensor based on ZnTi-LDHs/Ti3C2Tx nanocomposite exhibits about 5 and 9-fold enhancement in response value to 50 ppm NH3 at room temperature (RT) compared with the pure LDHs and Ti3C2Tx, respectively. Notably, the as-fabricated gas sensor could detect as low as 100 ppb NH3 with a response of 1.26 at RT. Furthermore, the LDHs/Ti3C2Tx sensor exhibits fast response/recovery time, high selectivity, acceptable humidity tolerance and outstanding long-term stability towards NH3. Above all, this work provides a feasible route to develop excellent gas-sensing materials of sensor via interfacial design.

Synthesis and Structural Analysis of Ternary Ca–Al–Fe Layered Double Hydroxides with Different Iron Contents

Hydrocalumite structured layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with various Fe3+ ratios were prepared through a coprecipitation method. In order to control the Fe3+ content in LDH, binary Ca–Fe LDHs were first synthesized with various Ca/Fe ratios. The X-ray diffraction pattern showed that only a limited Ca/Fe ratio resulted in LDH formation. The Fe3+ content in LDH was controlled by applying Al3+ while the divalent and trivalent metal ratio was set to 2. Through X-ray diffraction patterns, ternary LDHs with Ca–Al–Fe composition were successfully synthesized without significant impurities, with the Al increasing crystallinity. Quantification showed that Al moiety participated in the formation of the LDH framework more than Ca and Fe, implying a structural stabilization in the presence of Al. In order to investigate the global and local structure of Fe moiety in the LDH, both solid state UV-vis and X-ray absorption spectroscopies were carried out. Both spectroscopies revealed that the existence of Al induced slight local distortion in coordination but global crystal stabilization.

NiAlCe mixed oxides obtained from layered double hydroxides applied to anisole hydrodeoxygenation

Bio-oil derived from the pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass residues cannot be used directly as biofuel due to the high content of oxygenated compounds. As an alternative, bio-oil must undergo a deoxygenation process, such as catalytic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO). In this sense, this work studied the effect of different concentrations of Ce3+ and Ce4+ in layered double hydroxides (LDHs) in order to obtain mixed oxide catalysts containing NiAlCe (NiO-NiAl2O4-CeO2) with low cost and high performance for the hydrodeoxygenation of anisole as a model bio-oil compound. Mixed oxides were obtained from the thermal decomposition of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) by using terephthalic acid as compensation anion, with molar ratio: Ni2+/(Al3++ M) = 1.0, where M = Ce3+; Ce4+ or Ce3+-Ce4+; and Al/Ce ratios of 9 and 1. Characterization analyses confirmed the formation of LDHs for all materials, although at lower Al/Ce ratio it is observed a loss of crystallinity, due to a greater repulsion and distortion of the layer structure caused by the incorporation, in greater amount, of cations with a high ionic radius. The increase in the content of cerium in mixed oxides also led to an increase in the acidity of the catalysts, in addition to a reduction in the surface area, justified by the pore blockage by CeO2 on the catalyst surface. The greater structural and thermal stability was evidenced in the LDHs derived from Ce4+, as well as a greater dispersion of the NiO phase in the corresponding mixed oxides, and therefore presenting greater anisole conversion. The obtained data indicated that the presence of Ce4+ ions on the catalyst surface was decisive in the conversion of anisole to cyclohexane, the main deoxygenated product, obtained via the direct deoxygenation and hydrogenation mechanism.

Development of saleable chloride free iron oxide from hazardous waste in titanium industries via layered double hydroxide formation

Mining and metal processing industries constitutes a major source of environmental pollution, albeit its huge impact on a nation's economic and industrial growth. The collaborative approach in waste management where wastes in one process/industry turns out to be a resource for another is extremely useful to sustain industries. Titanium dioxide pigment production industry operating via chloride process expels hazardous iron oxide waste byproduct rich in chloride content. The slow leaching of highly acidic and chloride rich effluents (2–5 wt.%) along with toxic heavy metals from iron oxide storage ponds in titanium industries pose serious threat to the human health and environment. The present paper describes the development of an innovative zero discharge chloride removal process via formation of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) from iron oxide waste byproduct, thereby enabling the end use applications of iron oxide. It is the first such study reported on the value addition of hazardous industrial residues via LDH formation. The developed co-precipitation process recorded maximum chloride removal efficiency in the range of 85–95%. The resultant precipitate i.e., the Friedel's salt was characterized by various techniques such as XRD, XRF and SEM-EDX and confirmed the effective removal of chlorides. The application potential of the process in real iron oxide wash waters with 95% removal efficiency and the possible reusability of precipitate utilizing the “memory effect” of LDHs were found to be highly promising. The study demonstrated the unique application potential of the process in chloride rich iron oxide wash waters unlike other industrial/domestic wastewaters, wherein other anionic species has a detrimental effect. The value added iron oxide can find application in steel industries and can mitigate the environmental and health concerns arising from the long term storage of hazardous iron oxide in mineral processing industries.