Selective uptake of aromatic compounds from aqueous solutions by Mg-Al layered double hydroxide intercalated with 2,7-naphthalenedisulfonate

Mg-Al layered double hydroxide intercalated with 2,7-naphthalenedisulfonate ions (2,7-NDS· Mg-Al LDH) selectively absorbs aromatic compounds from aqueous solutions. The amount of material absorbed by 2,7-NDS·Mg-Al LDH depends on the electron-donating or electron-withdrawing properties of the functional groups on the molecules to be absorbed. The absorption mechanism is dependent on the π-pi; stacking interactions between the aromatic ring of the molecules to be absorbed and the naphthalene moiety of 2,7-NDS ^2-.