ISIS Neutron and Muon Source Data Journal

Investigation of the molecular interactions between Gambier leaf extract and layered double hydroxide photocatalysts by inelastic neutron scattering - MAPS

Abstract: The widespread presence of antibiotics like tetracycline (TC) in aquatic environments presents serious ecological and health challenges, highlighting the need for effective and eco-friendly photocatalysts for their removal. Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have emerged as promising materials due to their adjustable composition, large surface area, and excellent anion exchange capacity. However, their photocatalytic efficiency is often hampered by limited light absorption and fast recombination of charge carriers. This research explores the enhancement of LDH photocatalytic activity through eco-friendly functionalisation using Gambier (G) leaf extract. Rich in polyphenols, gambier offers light-harvesting properties and helps improve structural stability. The resulting LDH-G composites were analysed using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), confirming the successful incorporation of gambier and the presence of relevant functional groups. To better understand the molecular interactions during TC degradation, inelastic neutron scattering (INS) is proposed as a complementary technique. Initial findings indicate vibrational shifts, especially in hydroxyl regions, pointing to active interactions. Further INS analysis is planned to gain deeper mechanistic insights for optimising LDH surface functionalisation in TC degradation applications.

Public release date: 02 March 2029

Principal Investigator: Dr Yulizah Hanifah
Experimenter: Dr Indri Badria Adilina
Experimenter: Dr Neza Rahayu Palapa
Experimenter: Dr Dicky Annas
Experimenter: Professor Stewart Parker
Experimenter: Dr Neza Rahayu Palapa
Local Contact: Dr Hamish Cavaye

DOI: 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2520179-1

Parent DOI: 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2520179

ISIS Experiment Number: RB2520179

Part Number: 1

Date of Experiment: 27 February 2026

Publisher: STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source

Data format: RAW/Nexus
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Data Citation

The recommended format for citing this dataset in a research publication is as:
[author], [date], [title], [publisher], [doi]

For Example:
Dr Yulizah Hanifah et al; (2026): Investigation of the molecular interactions between Gambier leaf extract and layered double hydroxide photocatalysts by inelastic neutron scattering - MAPS, STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, https://doi.org/10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2520179-1

Data is released under the CC-BY-4.0 license.