Quick and efficient co-treatment of Zn2+/Ni2+ and CN− via the formation of Ni(CN)42− intercalated larger ZnAl-LDH crystals

- A quick treatment was developed to simultaneously purify aqueous CN and heavy metals.
- Conversion of Zn(CN)42− to Ni(CN)42− occurred when Ni2+ was added in Zn/CN solutions.
- Over 95% of CN was removed as Ni(CN)42− intercalated ZnAl-LDH formation with Al added.
- CN removal can also be improved by CN encapsulation in ZnAl-LDH that has large size.