Thesis
Struvite-derived layered double hydroxides: synthesis and applications in sustainable technology
- Abstract:
-
This thesis discusses the development of sustainable and scalable synthesis methods for LDHs using green precursors, namely waste materials. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to LDHs, their applications, and a report of previously reported synthesis from waste. The climate crisis is discussed, as well as the technologies currently in development to meet international climate targets. The plastic crisis is also introduced and the need for alternative recycling technologies is explained.
Chapter 2 details the analytical techniques and synthesis protocols used throughout the subsequent chapters. In Chapter 3, reactions for the conversion of the waste mineral struvite (MgNH4PO4.6H2O), produced during wastewater treatment, into industrially relevant magnesium-based LDHs are developed. The materials produced are characterised in detail using a number of techniques, including X-Ray diffraction, surface area analysis, and scanning electron microscopy.
Amino silylether-modified LDHs are discussed in Chapter 4. The effect of the modification conditions is investigated as well as the effect of changing the organic, amine-containing, group. The performance of the materials for the direct air capture of CO2 is evaluated and the isotherms are fitted to theoretical models to characterise the processes involved. Estimates of the process energy and productivity are also made.
In Chapter 5, the development of transition metal-doped struvite-derived LDHs is explored. These materials were used for the catalytic pyrolysis of polypropylene and their performance was evaluated.
Lastly, Chapter 6 provides a summary of the findings of the works in this thesis and suggests directions for future work. Additional data mentioned in the main text may be found in the Appendices.
Actions
Authors
Contributors
+ O'Hare, D
- Institution:
- University of Oxford
- Division:
- MPLS
- Department:
- Chemistry
- Sub department:
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Research group:
- O'Hare
- Oxford college:
- Balliol College
- Role:
- Supervisor
- ORCID:
- 0000-0001-8054-8751
+ Clarke, S
- Institution:
- University of Oxford
- Division:
- MPLS
- Department:
- Chemistry
- Sub department:
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Research group:
- Clarke group
- Oxford college:
- Exeter College
- Role:
- Examiner
- ORCID:
- 0000-0003-4599-8874
+ Greenwell, S
- Institution:
- Durham University, Department of Earth Sciences
- Role:
- Examiner
- ORCID:
- 0000-0001-5719-8415
+ Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
More from this funder
- Funder identifier:
- https://ror.org/0439y7842
- Grant:
- EP/S023828/1
- Programme:
- Oxford Inorganic Chemistry for Future Manufacturing Centre for Doctoral Training (OxICFM CDT)
- DOI:
- Type of award:
- DPhil
- Level of award:
- Doctoral
- Awarding institution:
- University of Oxford
- Language:
-
English
- Keywords:
- Subjects:
- Deposit date:
-
2025-10-13
Terms of use
- Copyright holder:
- Samuel Kwesi Roberts
- Copyright date:
- 2025
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