Synthesis of calcium-bismuth layered double hydroxide (LADH) nanoparticles: Applications as photo-catalyst and fuel additive

The development of calcium-bismuth layered double hydroxide [(Ca-Bi) LADH] microflowers for catalyzing degradation of Congo red (CR) and combustion of fuel is significant and highly desirable. Ca-Bi LADH microflowers are prepared by hydrothermal method with intercalated nitrates ions in inter lamellar spaces with 3–4 µm diameter and exposed active sites. After hydrothermal heating, the product is calcined at 400 °C for 4 and 7 hr to study the effect of calcination time on morphology of LADH. Prepared LADH is characterized by X-Ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It is clear from XRD pattern that product is consist of hexagonal unit cell and highly crystalline. Synthesized LADH is used as catalyst for degradation of dye and combustion of fuel. The values of apparent rate constant (k_app) of catalytic degradation of CR are 0.0528, 0.0550, 0.0550 and 0.0557 min⁻¹ for 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 mg/mL catalyst dosage respectively. Different parameters like flash point, fire point, kinematic viscosity and cloud point of fuel are increased by increasing additive dosage due to high surface area of LADH. LADH degrades dye in aqueous medium due to large number of adsorption sites. Synthesis of Ca-Bi LADH microflowers involves low cost and environmental friendly materials that can be used for different applications.