Microwave-assisted synthesis of maple-ball-like layered double hydroxides for efficient removal of cationic dye

Maple-ball-like Mg–Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were successfully prepared via a microwave-assisted heating method in the presence of ethylene glycol water as a solvent, and the synthesis efficiency was significantly improved through the design approach. The product was characterized by a series of techniques, including X-ray diffraction, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller. The as-synthesized Mg–Al LDHs display considerable adsorption performance for the cationic dye methylene orange from aqueous solution within extremely short processing time. This study offers a low-cost approach for the synthesis of an Mg–Al LDH material that could be used as an effective adsorbent for the removal of dyes from wastewater.