Mg(OH)2 Nanoflakes for Effective Removal of Phosphate Ions

Simple, one-pot, and low-cost fabricated Mg(OH)2 nanoflakes, synthesized at room temperature, exhibited enhanced properties necessary for phosphate ion adsorption from solutions. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed flake-like nanoparticles that were highly segregated, offering high surface area and active sites. Other characterization techniques, such as energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, contributed to the understanding of the chemical composition of the materials. The investigation of zeta potential revealed the surface charge of the nanoflakes before and after adsorption, supporting the adsorption mechanism of phosphate. Results from the ion adsorption experiment using ion chromatography confirmed that our fabricated material performed well in the phosphate adsorption test.