Green chemistry approach for the removal of delafloxacin from aqueous solutions using calcinated layered double hydroxide: Adsorption mechanism and material characterization

 

Introduction

With increasing concerns about pharmaceutical contaminants in water sources, effective and sustainable removal techniques are crucial. Delafloxacin, a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic, has been detected in wastewater due to its extensive use in healthcare. Traditional removal methods often involve high energy consumption and toxic byproducts. In response, green chemistry approaches offer sustainable alternatives. One such method involves using calcinated layered double hydroxides (CLDHs) for adsorption, which is eco-friendly, efficient, and reusable.

Material Characterization of Calcinated Layered Double Hydroxide

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are a class of anionic clays that, upon calcination, transform into mixed metal oxides with enhanced adsorptive properties. The material characterization of CLDHs involves techniques such as:

  • X-ray diffraction (XRD): Confirms phase transformation and crystallinity.

  • Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR): Identifies functional groups and interactions.

  • Scanning electron microscopy (SEM): Provides insight into surface morphology.

  • Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis: Determines surface area and porosity.

Adsorption Mechanism of Delafloxacin on CLDHs

The adsorption mechanism is influenced by:

  1. Electrostatic Interactions: CLDHs exhibit positive surface charges, enhancing attraction toward negatively charged delafloxacin molecules.

  2. Ion Exchange: Delafloxacin anions replace interlayer anions in CLDHs, leading to adsorption.

  3. Hydrogen Bonding and π–π Interactions: The hydroxyl groups and aromatic rings in delafloxacin facilitate binding with CLDHs.

  4. Surface Complexation: Coordination between delafloxacin functional groups and metal oxides in CLDHs.

Advantages of the Green Chemistry Approach

  • Eco-Friendly Synthesis: The use of CLDHs reduces the need for hazardous chemicals.

  • High Adsorption Efficiency: CLDHs exhibit excellent adsorption capacities under optimized conditions.

  • Reusability: Post-adsorption regeneration allows multiple cycles of use.

  • Minimal Secondary Pollution: No harmful byproducts are generated during the adsorption process.

Conclusion

The application of calcinated layered double hydroxides in delafloxacin removal represents a significant advancement in green chemistry-based wastewater treatment. The efficient adsorption mechanism, coupled with sustainable material properties, makes this approach a viable alternative to conventional methods. Further research should explore large-scale applications and cost-effectiveness to facilitate real-world implementation.


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