Sorption of Anionic Surfactants on Layered Double Hydroxides

In the present study we investigated the adsorption of sodium dodecyl- and octylsulfate, and sodium dodecyl- and octylbenzenesulfonate, on a layered double hydroxide (LDH) under controlled conditions. The results were compared to those obtained for the adsorption of surfactants on mineral oxides and on LDHs, showing that the behavior of surfactant adsorption on LDHs can be approximately explained by the models proposed for surfactant adsorption on mineral oxides. The electrokinetic potential of the surfactant-adsorbed LDH particles in suspension was measured in order to monitor the variation of this potential as a function of the adsorption. The results showed a characteristic behavior of the surfactant-adsorbed LDH that can be correlated to a rearrangement of the adsorbed layer at concentrations above the CMC. Surfactant sorption was also studied, using SDS and the calcined LDH, showing the regeneration of the calcined material by intercalating the DS anions. Two processes can occur during the removal of surfactants from aqueous solutions by LDHs, depending on the starting material: (i) adsorption itself, when a noncalcined LDH intercalated with a nonexchangeable anion, such as carbonate, is used; and (ii) adsorption and intercalation, which occurs when a calcined LDH, like Mg–Al–CO3, is used. The potential application of this material for surfactant removal is one of the reasons for the need for a better understanding of the mechanisms involved. As we demonstrate here, LDHs are very efficient in removing surfactants from aqueous solutions.