Adsorption kinetic and thermodynamic studies of the 2, 4 – dichlorophenoxyacetate (2,4-D) by the [Co–Al–Cl] layered double hydroxide

[Co–Al–Cl] layered double hydroxide (LDH) obtained by co-precipitation at constant pH 8 presented a single phase in a hexagonal unit cell parameters similar to the hydrotalcite (JCPDS 14-191) belonging to the rhombohedral crystal system and space group R((-3)m). The adsorption kinetics of 2,4-D onto [Co–Al–Cl] LDH was better described by the Pseudo Second-Order (best adjust R(2) = 0.9998 for 60 mg L(−1) 2,4-D adsorption). Intra-particle diffusion model was not the sole rate-controlling factor, indicating the adsorption of 2,4-D by the [Co–Al–Cl] LDH is a complex process for the experimental conditions performed, involving both boundary layer and intra-particle diffusion. The adsorption isotherm adjusted better to the Freundlich model (R(2) = 0.9845) and the ΔH° value of - 51.18 kJ mol(−1) indicated the predominance of the physical adsorption. The FT-IR spectrum of LDH after adsorption presented 2,4-D bands together with those of LDH and XRD showed an increase in the interlamellar distance (d(003)) due to the intercalation of 2,4-D in the interlayer structure of the [Co–Al–Cl] LDH, corroborating inter and intra-particle adsorption data. Thus, [Co–Al–Cl] LDH, commonly used as electrodes in supercapacitors, can be effectively used as an adsorbent for the removal of 2,4-D from contaminated waters.