Green rust and other layered double hydroxides: Geochemistry and environmental applications

Seminar by Prof. Hans Christian Bruun Hansen, Institut for Grundvidenskab/Jordbunds- og miljøkemi, LIFE.

Abstract
Many di- and trivalent metal cations can combine to form layered double hydroxides (LDH), a family of compounds with very interesting properties.  The most common is hydrotalcite (Mg4Al2(OH)12CO3 x H2O).  "Green rust", the name used to describe the Fe(II)-Fe(III) members is a particularly reactive compound in soils and sediments.  LDHs have many uses as sorbents, anion exchangers, catalysts, and templates. LDH properties can be varied in many ways, e.g. through selection of metal cations, control of layer charge and intercalation/pillaring.

This talk will begin with a description of the conditions for green rust formation and point to reactions of environmental interest and touch on some of the other work in our group, such as biotoxins and biomedicine in the environment.