Simultaneous intercalation and release of 2,4-dichloro- and 4-chloro-phenoxy acetates into Zn/Al layered double hydroxide

A new nanohybrid compound was formed by the concurrent insertion of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetate (DPA) used as herbicides and 4-chlorophenoxy acetate (CPA) as plant growth regulator, the two guest anions into the interlamellar space of the host Zn/Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) using co-precipitation or spontaneous self-assembly method. Two different basal spacings of 2.54 and 1.97 nm were detected by PXRD of the nanohybrid accounting for the presence of two distinct intercalated phases. Direct insertion mass spectroscopy (DIMS) analyses confirm that both anions are intercalated to give a biphasic well ordered nanohybrid material. The study of the release properties shows that both ions were released, but with different rates. This opens up the possibility of using such a biphasic nanohybrid for controlled release of more than one active anionic agent at different controlled rates.