Optimization of the wash process and wash water recycling in the preparation of MgZnAl-CO3 layered double hydroxides

An MgZnAl-CO3 layered double hydroxide (LDH) slurry with Na2 SO4 as the by-product has been prepared by a co-precipitation method.The filtrates in the LDH washing process were collected according to their different levels of salinity.Filtrates with lower salinity can be used to wash a LDH slurry with higher salinity in the next cycle.Only in the final stages is pure water used.Recycling of the wash water in this way has been employed in a commercial production process,resulting in a water-saving of over 80%.The resulting MgZnAl-CO3-LDH product has a well-formed crystalline layered structure with a low content of impurities.