Controlled release of herbicides through glyphosate intercalated layered double hydroxides and enhancement of anti-scouring ability via poly-l-aspartic acid and chitosan modification.

Nanocarrier preparations could effectively improve the utilization rate of pesticides, and reduce pesticide loss. In this study, glyphosate (GLY)-loaded MgAl layered double hydroxide (GLY@LDH) was synthesized via an in-situ method. Subsequently, GLY@LDH composite samples were prepared using a layer-by-layer self-assembly approach and modified with poly-L-aspartic acid (PASP) and chitosan (CS). XRD, FT-IR, SEM, and Zeta potential characterization confirmed that GLY was successfully loaded in the interlayer of LDHs and PASP/CS were successfully encapsulated on the surface of the composite sample. The release effect in different ionic solutions and soils was studied and analyzed. The release behavior conforms to the Ritger-Peppas kinetic model, and the release mechanism was ion exchange, which was further explored by means of XRD, SEM, and molecular simulation. The results of the anti-scouring experiment and contact angle measurement indicated that the layered self-assembly material enhanced the washing resistance of the material. The practical application effect of the sample was verified through a pot experiment. This study provides new insights into the simple preparation of pesticide-controlled release formulations that reduce leaching losses.