Intercalation of oxalate ions in the interlayer space of a layered double hydroxide for nickel ions adsorption

In this study, sorption properties of a synthesized anionic clay were enhanced by the intercalation of oxalate ions in its interlayer space. The pristine and modified clay materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermal analysis. These techniques confirmed the presence of oxalate ions in the interlayer space of the clay. The intercalated clay was then used as a matrix for the sorption in batch mode of nickel ions in aqueous solution. The influence of a number of parameters such as contact time, pH, initial concentration of the analyte and adsorbent dosage were studied. The maximum adsorption of nickel was obtained at pH 6, that is, about 90% Ni2+ removal. The adsorbent/adsorbate equilibrium follows a pseudo-second order kinetics and best matches the Langmuir model. The modified clay was shown to be efficient matrix for the sorption of nickel ions.