Layered Double Hydroxides (LDH) are porous or layered crystalline structures that have a positive charge due to the binding of Mg_(1-x)Al_x(OH)₂A^n-_n/x•yH ₂O, where "x" is between 0.17 and 0.33. These compounds can be used in environmental remediation to remove potentially harmful anions through replacement of the anion A^n-, nitrate (NO_3-). One of the polyatomic anions we hope to be able to remove through the use of the LDH is arsenates, AsO₃^3- which are common in undeveloped countries and highly rural water streams. By studying the LDH crystalline structure and sorbance or binding ability an improved ability to remediate water sources will be accomplished and possible use in other environmental remediation programs.

The purpose of the research will be to study data collected from NMR, XRD, and BET measuring the purity of the LDH compounds and gathering information on the crystalline structure of the LDH. By collecting data on phosphate, PO₄^3-, interactions through replacement of the nitrate anion of the LDH compound and comparing the data among all data collected, we can determine which complexes, related to molar ratios, bind to the phosphates more strongly and in what configuration the phosphates are bound to the lamellar compounds. By studying the in situ reactions of phosphates with the LDH we will be able to understand the ability of LDH to react under normal environmental conditions and test the effectiveness of the LDH to sorb or bind to potentially harmful compounds similar to phosphates such as arsenates. Using the data from the comparisons, the most effective molar ratio can be determined. By careful synthesis and analysis refinement of the synthetic design can be made so that the reaction can be scaled up for industrial use.