Exploring the Diverse Landscape of Layered Double Hydroxide-Based Nanomaterials
Citation:
Coogan, Áine Fiona, Exploring the Diverse Landscape of Layered Double Hydroxide-Based Nanomaterials, Trinity College Dublin, School of Chemistry, Chemistry, 2024Download Item:
Abstract:
This thesis details the synthesis, characterisation, and an exploration of the diverse
application landscape of layered double hydroxide (LDH)-based nanomaterials. The aim is
to showcase the potential of LDHs in chirality induction, advanced separation processes,
photocatalysis, and luminescent sensing platforms, primarily focusing on environmental
applications in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The first project of this thesis involves the synthesis of CuAl-CO3 LDH nanosheets
via aqueous co-precipitation, and an investigation of various routes of chirality induction in
this material. The exploration of two distinct methods of chirality induction using chiral
molecules led to the decomposition of the LDH phase, and subsequent formation of chiral
CuO nanosheet clusters, with intense visible range chiroptical activity.
The second study focuses on the development of new LDH/BNOx nanocomposites
for advanced nanofiltration and photocatalysis. A combination of co-precipitation,
liquid-phase exfoliation and vacuum filtration techniques were employed to produce
membranes which exhibited exceptional performance for the retention of organic dyes -
prevalent pollutants stemming from the textiles industry. These membranes also
demonstrated photocatalytic degradation of dyes under visible-light conditions, acting as
an innovative route to addressing concerns of membrane fouling.
The third and final investigation explores lanthanide doping of LDHs, and their use
as luminescent sensing platforms for environmental applications. Aqueous co-precipitation
was used to produce Eu3+ and Tb3+-doped MgAl and ZnAl LDHs, which were employed for
successful luminescent 'turn-off' sensing of dichromate in water. This work offers valuable
insights into the quenching mechanism, detection limits, and economic viability of these
materials, serving as a significant contribution to the field of environmental nanosensing.
This results stemming from this thesis not only highlight the diversity of LDH-based
nanomaterials for numerous applications through compositional variation, but also
contribute to the further understanding of chiral nanostructures, advanced nanofiltration
membranes, and sensing processes.
Sponsor
Grant Number
Irish Research Council (IRC)
GOIPG/2019/2788
Author's Homepage:
https://tcdlocalportal.tcd.ie/pls/EnterApex/f?p=800:71:0::::P71_USERNAME:COOGANAIDescription:
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Author: Coogan, Áine Fiona
Advisor:
Gun'ko, YuriiQualification name:
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)Publisher:
Trinity College Dublin. School of Chemistry. Discipline of ChemistryType of material:
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