Levofloxacin Synergistic Capture Using a "Memory-Effect" Layered Double Oxides Loaded with ZIF-67 Nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) exhibit limitations in adsorption capacity and porosity for antibiotic removal.
• Developing efficient adsorbents is crucial for treating antibiotic-contaminated wastewater.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel composite material, LDO@ZIF-67, for enhanced adsorption of levofloxacin (LVX).
• To investigate the adsorption performance, mechanism, and stability of LDO@ZIF-67 for LVX removal.

Main Methods:

• High-temperature calcination of LDH to form LDO templates.
• In situ growth of ZIF-67 crystals on LDO surfaces.
• Adsorption experiments to determine capacity, kinetics, and thermodynamics.
• Cyclic adsorption-desorption tests to evaluate stability.

Main Results:

• LDO@ZIF-67 achieved rapid LVX adsorption equilibrium within 40 min.
• The composite exhibited a high adsorption capacity of 268 mg/g for LVX.
• Adsorption followed Langmuir and pseudo-second-order models, indicating chemisorption.
• The material maintained good performance after 5 adsorption-desorption cycles, with a capacity of 214 mg/g.

Conclusions:

• LDO@ZIF-67 demonstrates superior performance for LVX removal compared to unmodified LDHs.
• The synergistic effect between LDO and ZIF-67 enhances adsorption capacity and rate.
• The material shows significant potential for practical application in wastewater treatment.