Specific separation and recovery of phosphate anions by a novel NiFe-LDH/rGO hybrid film based on electroactivity-variable valence

Phosphorus is a non-renewable resource. Supplies are limited and much phosphorus is currently wasted during the production and utilization process, causing concerns about future supplies and widespread environmental problems. To solve these problems, a new type of NiFe-LDH/rGO electrically switched ion-selective (ESIX) film is designed, based on the dominant mechanism of inner-sphere complexation. An ESIX process allows the NiFe-LDH/rGO hybrid film to achieve a controllably selective uptake and release of the phosphate anions. This route involves tuning potential steps to regulate the redox states of the composite film and the variable metal (e.g., Ni, Fe (II)/(III)) in coordination centers, as the inner- sphere complexation of the metals to phosphate anions is combined with the assistance of the outer elec- tric field. A high absorption capacity (270 mg g 1) and regeneration rate (>85%) were achieved, together with good cycle stability.