Ionic liquid grafted on layered double hydroxide nanomaterial as a hydrophobic/ion-exchange adsorbent for efficient removal of azo dye

N-methylimidazole with hydrophobic groups in its structure was immobilized on the interlayer of the layered double hydroxides (LDHs). The LDH/methylimidazolium nanocomposite with high surface area was synthesized and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared. This novel hybrid nanostructure was used as a highly efficient sorbent for removal of methyl orange from water. The LDH-dodecyl sulfate was synthesized by coprecipitation method, and next, the ionic liquid was grafted in the inner surface of LDH by sol-gel route. Effects of temperature, removal time, pH, stirring rate, desorption temperature and time on the removal were optimized. The experimental data of isotherm followed the Langmuir isotherm model and the Freundlich model. This research shows that the LDH/methylimidazolium nanocomposite could be utilized as an efficient, ease separable and stable adsorbent for azo dyes.