Low-cost hydrogel adsorbent enhanced by trihydroxy melamine and β-cyclodextrin for the removal of Pb(II) and Ni(II) in water

Green synthesis of carbon quantum dots from teak leaves biomass for in situ precipitation and regenerative-removal of methylene blue-dye

The objective of this study was to completely eliminate environmentally harmful cationic organic dye from aqueous solutions using the one-step ultrasonication method, renowned for its energy efficiency, user-friendliness, and minimal requirement for chemical resources, making it particularly suitable for large-scale applications. To achieve effective environmental remediation, we employed carbon dots derived from teak leaf biomass (TBCDs) layered with graphene oxide. We conducted a thorough characterization of the TBCDs using UV-vis spectroscopy (with absorption peaks at λmax = 208 and 276 nm), FTIR spectroscopy (confirming the presence of various functional groups including -OH, -CH, C = O, COO-, C-O-C, and = C-H), Raman spectroscopy (with bands at 1369 cm-1 (D-Band) and 1550 cm-1 (G-Band), and an intensity ratio (ID/IG) = 0.88, indicating structural defects correlated with the sp3 hybridization sites on the TBCDs), XRD analysis (indicating an amorphous nature of particles), HRTEM imaging (showing homogeneous dispersal of TBCDs with typical sizes ranging from 2 to 10 nm), FESEM analysis (showing a flat surface and minuscule particles), and Zeta potential analysis (revealing a surface charge peak at -51.0 mV). Our adsorption experiments yielded significant results, with a substantial 50.1 % removal rate and an impressive adsorption capacity of 735.2 mg g-1. Theoretical adsorption parameters were rigorously analyzed to understand the adsorption behavior, surface interactions, and mechanisms. Among these models, the Langmuir isotherm in conjunction with pseudo-second-order kinetics provided an exceptional fit (with R2 values closer to 1) for our system. The Gibbs free energy (ΔG) was found to be negative at all temperatures, indicating the spontaneity of the reaction. Regarding mechanism, electrostatic attraction ((+ve) MB dye + (- ve) TBCDs), π-π stacking adsorption facilitated by the graphitic structure, formation of multiple hydrogen bonds due to polar functional groups, and a pore-filling mechanism wherein the cationic MB dye fills the pores of TBCDs with graphene oxide layers, forming an adduct were identified. Furthermore, we demonstrated the regenerative capacity of our system by effectively extracting and recovering the MB dye (with a regeneration rate of 77.1%), utilizing ethyl alcohol as the solvent. These findings not only provide valuable insights into the adsorption capabilities of TBCDs but also highlight the potential of our approach in the recovery of expensive cationic organic dye compounds from polluted environments.

Efficacious adsorption of divalent nickel ions over sodium alginate-g-poly(acrylamide)/hydrolyzed Luffa cylindrica-CoFe2O4 bionanocomposite hydrogel

Existing Ni2+ heavy metal ions in an aqueous medium are highly hazardous for living organisms and humans. Therefore, designing low-cost adsorbents with enhanced effectiveness is essential for removing nickel ions to safeguard public health. In this study, a novel green nanocomposite hydrogel was synthesized through the free radical solution and bulk polymerization method, and its capability to remove divalent nickel ions from aqueous media was examined. The bionanocomposite hydrogel named as SA-g-poly(AAm)/HL-CoFe2O4 was produced by grafting polyacrylamide (AAm) onto sodium alginate (SA) in the presence of a magnetic composite recognized as HL-CoFe2O4, where HL represents hydrolyzed Luffa Cylindrica. By employing FT-IR, XRD, VSM, SEM, EDX-Map, BET, DLS, HPLC, and TGA techniques, morphological evaluation and characterization of the adsorbents were carried out. The performance of the adsorption process was studied under varying operational conditions including pH, temperature, contact duration, initial concentration of pollutant ions, and adsorbent dosage. HPLC analysis proved the non-toxic structure of the bionanocomposite hydrogel. The number of unreacted acrylamide monomers within the hydrogel matrix was measured at 20.82 mg/kg. The optimum conditions was discovered to be pH = 6, room temperature, adsorbent dosage of 1 of g.L-1, initial Ni2+ concentration of 10 mg.L-1, and contact time of 100 min, and the maximum adsorption efficiency at optimal state was calculated as 70.09, 90.25, and 93.83 % for SA-g-poly (AAm), SA-g-poly(AAm)/HL, and SA-g-poly(AAm)/HL-CoFe2O4 samples, respectively. Langmuir isotherm model was in good agreement with the experimental data and the maximum adsorption capacity of SA-g-poly(AAm), SA-g-poly(AAm)/HL, and SA-g-poly(AAm)/HL-CoFe2O4 samples was calculated to be 31.37, 43.15, and 45.19 mg.g-1, respectively. The adsorption process, according to kinetic studies, follows a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Investigations on thermodynamics also demonstrated that the process is exothermic and spontaneous. Exploring the interference effect of co-existing ions showed that the adsorption efficiency has decreased with concentration enhancement of Ca2+ and Na+ cations in aqueous medium. Furthermore, the adsorption/desorption assessments revealed that after 8 consecutive cycles, there had been no noticeable decline in the adsorption effectiveness. Finally, actual wastewater treatment outcomes demonstrated that the bionanocomposite hydrogel successfully removes heavy metal pollutants from shipbuilding industry effluent. Therefore, the findings revealed that the newly fabricated bionanocomposite hydrogel is an efficient, cost-effective, easy-separable, and green adsorbent that could be potentially utilized to remove divalent nickel ions from wastewater.

Simultaneous detection and removal of mercury (II) using multifunctional fluorescent materials

Environmental problems caused by mercury ions are increasing due to growing industrialization, poor enforcement, and inefficient pollutant treatment. Therefore, detecting and removing mercury from the ecological chain is of utmost significance. Currently, a wide range of small molecules and nanomaterials have made remarkable progress in the detection, detoxification, adsorption, and removal of mercury. In this review, we summarized the recent advances in the design and construction of multifunctional materials, detailed their sensing and removing mechanisms, and discussed with emphasis the advantages and disadvantages of different types of sensors. Finally, we elucidated the problems and challenges of current multifunctional materials and further pointed out the direction for the future development of related materials. This review is expected to provide a guideline for researchers to establish a robust strategy for the detection and removal of mercury ionsin the environment.

A novel S,N-rich MOF for efficient recovery of Au(III): Performance and mechanism

A novel S,N-rich MOF with adenine and 4,4'-thiodiphenol as organic ligands was synthesized via the one-step solvothermal method, and used for gold recovery. The pH impact, adsorption kinetics, isotherms, thermodynamics, selectivity, and reusability were investigated accordingly. The adsorption and desorption mechanism were also explored comprehensively. The electronic attraction, coordination, and in situ redox account for the Au(III) adsorption. The Au(III) adsorption is affected strongly by the pH of solutions, and best at pH of 2.57. The MOF exhibits exceptional adsorption capacity as high as 3680 mg/g at 55 °C, fast kinetics with 8 min for 9.6 mg/L Au(III), and excellent selectivity for gold ion in real e-waste leachates. The adsorption process of gold on the adsorbent is endothermic and spontaneous, and influenced visibly by temperature. The adsorption ratio still maintained 99% after seven adsorption-desorption cycles. The column adsorption experiments show that the MOF has outstanding selectivity for Au(III) with 100% of removal efficiency in a complex solution containing Au, Ni, Cu, Cd, Co, and Zn ions. A glorious adsorption with a breakthrough time of 532 mins was obtained for the breakthrough curve. This study not only provides an efficient adsorbent for gold recovery, but also guidance for designing new materials.

Preparation of hydrogels based on poplar cellulose and their removal efficiency of Cd(II) from aqueous solutions

Industrial heavy metal-contaminated wastewater is one of the main water pollution problems. Adsorbents are a promising method for the removal of heavy metal contaminants. Herein, polyaspartic acid/carboxymethyl poplar sawdust hydrogels (PASP/CMPP) and ascorbic acid/carboxymethyl poplar sawdust hydrogels (VC/CMPP) were prepared by aqueous polymerization using alkalized poplar sawdust (CMPP) as the substrate and PASP and vitamin C (VC) as modifiers. The effective results, provided by the characterization analysis of SEM and BET, indicate that the surface of the PASP/CMPP hydrogel has a larger number of loose pores and a larger pore volume than the VC/CMPP hydrogel. The treatment effects of the two hydrogels on simulated wastewater containing Cd(II) were investigated by a batch of experiments. The results showed that PASP/CMPP had a better adsorption effect than VC/CMPP under the same adsorption conditions. Interestingly, the solid concentration effect was found in the process of sorption kinetics and sorption isotherms. The sorption kinetic curves of Cd(II) on PASP/CMPP were well-fitted by the quasi-second-order kinetics under different adsorbent concentrations. The adsorption conforms to Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models. More importantly, PASP/CMPP composites are expected to be used as a new kind of environmental adsorbent for wastewater treatment.

Chemical modification of β-cyclodextrin towards hydrogel formation

β-CD is a cyclic oligosaccharide, which has trunked cone like structure. The unique structure makes it efficient for numerous applications. Though, the native β-CD has many issues like low solubility, absence of sufficient functionalities and lower complexation ability with guest molecules. One of the most effective paths to increase the efficiency of cyclodextrins is the generation of polycyclodextrins. In this perspective article, we have summarized the recent reports on the synthetic methods towards the modification of β-CD. Besides, this article reviews the current improvements of two types of β-CD centered supramolecular hydrogels: one is supramolecular hydrogels prepared from CD-based poly(pseudo)rotaxanes and the other is supramolecular hydrogels developed through the host-guest interaction between small guest molecules and CDs. The Polycyclodextrins have established noteworthy applications in several areas ranging from adsorbents for organic pollutants removal to effective carriers of bioactive agents.

pH-responsive nonwoven fabric with reversibly wettability for controllable oil-water separation and heavy metal removal

Removal of organic solvents and heavy metals in effluents is of great significance to environmental pollution control and ecological civilization construction. pH-responsive materials have unique advantages in treating complicated oily wastewater. In this work, an intelligent pH-responsive nonwoven fabric with excellent reversible wettability was prepared. The pH-sensitive polymer was synthesized by free radical polymerization (FRP) technique, then dipped with SiO₂ on PP fabric. The particular molecular structure of poly (dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) enabled the fabric surface to switch wettability rapidly between hydrophilic/underwater oleophobic and oleophobic/hydrophobic under pH stimulus and exhibit controllable selective separation of various oil/water mixtures. Furthermore, the fabric removed Pb²⁺ efficiently under a wide pH range. The experimetal results showed that the separation flux reached 19,229 ± 1656.43 L-h^-1-m^-2 for water and 19,342 ± 1796.77 L-m^-2-h^-1 for n-hexane. Besides, the obtained fabric effectively realized the separation and collection process of complex ternary mixtures. The fabric removed Pb²⁺ in solutions with efficiency up to 90.83%. After immersing in acid and alkali solutions for 24 h, no significant damage to the surface wettability. This economical and intelligent fabric is able to meet the different separation purposes of industrial wastewaters with complex compositions.

In-house fabrication of macro-porous biopolymeric hydrogel and its deployment for adsorptive remediation of lead and cadmium from water matrices

A novel adsorbent was prepared by blending chitosan (CS) and acrylic acid (AA) while using formaldehyde as a cross linker in the form of hydrogel beads. The adsorption properties of these hydrogel beads for the removal of toxic metal ions (Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺) from aqueous solutions were evaluated. The hydrogel beads have a 3D macro-porous structure whose -NH₂ groups were considered to be the dominant binding specie for Cd and Pb ions. The equilibrium adsorption capacity (q_e) of beads was significantly affected by the mass ratio of sorbent and sorbate. The percentage removal of Cd and Pb ions was observed to be enhanced with the increase in sorbate concentration. The hydrogel beads maintained good adsorption properties at adsorption-desorption equilibrium. The Langmuir and Freundlich models were used to elaborate the isotherms as well as isotherm constants. Adsorption isothermal data is well explained by the Freundlich model. The data of experimental kinetics is interrelated with the second-order kinetic model, which showed that the chemical sorption phenomenon is the rate limiting step. The results of intraparticle diffusion model described the adsorption process occurred on a porous substance that proved chitosan/Formaldehyde beads to be the favorable adsorbent.

Hydroxyl-modified zirconia/porous carbon nanocomposite used as a highly efficient and renewable adsorbent for removal of carbamazepine from water

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) derived metal oxides/porous carbon nanocomposites were used as adsorbents to remove pollutants from wastewater. The adsorption performance of the metal oxides/porous carbon nanocomposites could be improved by introducing functional groups. In this study, hydroxyl-modified zirconia/porous carbon nanocomposite (C-UiO-66-OH) was prepared and tested, choosing carbamazepine as a typical pollutant. The results showed that the adsorption capacity (186.21 mg g^-1) of C-UiO-66-OH was 6.96 times to that of normal UiO-66. The Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-first-order kinetic model was well fit the adsorption process. The thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. The adsorbent regeneration could be accomplished by washing C-UiO-66-OH with ethanol and DI water. The good adsorption/desorption performance comes from the synergistic effect of (EDA) interaction and hydrogen bond between C-UiO-66-OH and CBZ molecule. A membrane prepared by immobilizing C-UiO-66-OH into melamine foam (MF) with sodium alginate (SA) was also investigated for CBZ adsorption. The results indicated the excellent removal efficiency (86.0%) and good regeneration of the prepared membrane. Therefore, this paper provides an efficient and applicable way to remove CBZ from water.

Graphene Oxide-alginate Hydrogel for Drawing Water through an Osmotic Membrane

We report the preparation and evaluation of graphene oxide (GO)-enhanced alginate hydrogels for drawing water across an osmotic desalination membrane. GO-incorporated calcium alginate hydrogels (GO-HG) and pure calcium alginate hydrogels (P-HG) were synthesized for this study. Environmental scanning electron microscopy, water contact angle, and water uptake tests showed both samples to be strongly hydrophilic. The synthesized hydrogels demonstrated the ability to successfully and continuously draw water through a selective osmotic membrane in experiments. This was driven by the surface energy gradient-induced negative pressure between the more hydrophilic hydrogel and less hydrophilic membrane surface. The GO-HG was found to draw 21.2% more water than the P-HG, owing to the flexible GO nanosheets, which can be easily incorporated into the hydrogel framework. The GO nanosheets not only offer more hydrophilic functional sites but also enhance the connectivity within the alginate hydrogel framework so as to enhance the water production performance. The average amount of water drawn through the membrane by the GO-HG and the P-HG is 23.4 ± 0.9 g and 19.3 ± 1.8 g, respectively. It was found that no external stimuli were needed as water flows through the hydrogel due to gravitational force. The GO-enhanced alginate hydrogel, combined with the osmotic membrane, is a promising surface energy gradient-driven functional material for water purification and desalination without applying external pressure.

Radix Astragali residue-derived porous amino-laced double-network hydrogel for efficient Pb(II) removal: Performance and modeling

Valorizing solid waste for heavy metal adsorption is highly desirable to avoid global natural resources depletion. In this study, we developed a new protocol to valorize Radix Astragali residue (one of the Chinese medicine residues) into a low-cost, chemically robust, and highly permeable (ca. 90%) amino-laced porous double-network hydrogel (NH₂-CNFs/PAA) for efficient Pb(II) adsorption. The NH₂-CNFs/PAA showed (i) excellent Pb(II) adsorption capacity (i.e., 994.5 mg g^-1, ~4.8 mmol g^-1), (ii) fast adsorption kinetics (k_f = 2.01 ×10^-5 m s^-1), (iii) broad working pH range (2.0-6.0), and (iv) excellent regeneration capability (~15 cycles). (v) excellent performance in various real water matrices on Pb(II) removal. Moreover, its high selectivity (distribution coefficient K_d ~2.4 ×10⁶ mL g^-1) toward Pb(II) was owing to the present of abundant amino groups (-NH₂). Furthermore, the fix-bed column test indicated the NH₂-CNFs/PAA can effectively remove 114.6 bed volumes (influent concentration ~5000 μg L^-1) with an enrichment factor 10.9. The full-scale system modeling (i.e., pore surface diffusion model (PSDM)) has been applied to predict the NH₂-CNFs/PAA performance on Pb(II) removal. Overall, we have provided an alternative "win-win" scenario that can resolve the Chinese medicine residues disposal issue by valorizing it into high performance gel-based adsorbents for efficient heavy metal removal.

Rationally designed carboxymethylcellulose-based sorbents crosslinked by targeted ions for static and dynamic capture of heavy metals: Easy recovery and affinity mechanism

A separable spherical bio-adsorbent (CMC-Cr) was prepared for capturing heavy metal ions by simple coordination and cross-linking between targeted ions of Cr³⁺ and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). A simple alternation of the CMC incorporation allowed the interconnected networks within the microspheres of preformed solid CMC to be adjusted. The excellent network structure could achieve the maximum collision between the adsorbent and the heavy metal cations in the wastewater. Through investigations, CMC-Cr-2 beads were determined as the optimal adsorbent. The adsorption performance of novel materials was evaluated by examining their adsorption behavior on Pb(II) and Co(II) under both static and dynamic conditions. The results showed that the adsorption behavior of CMC-Cr-2 beads on both two heavy metal cations could be fully reflected by the Freundlich model. Under the theoretical conditions, the maximum adsorption capacities were 97.26 and 144.74 mg/g. The kinetic results for the adsorption of two heavy metal cations on CMC-Cr-2 beads were consistent with the Pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Moreover, the correlation coefficient of the Thomas model was significant in the dynamic adsorption performance tests. Five regeneration cycle studies were successfully carried out on CMC-Cr-2 beads to evaluate reusability and stability. The applicability of CMC-Cr-2 beads in authentic aqueous solutions (both the single and binary pollutant systems) was also studied, and the results indicated that CMC-Cr-2 beads had a high potential for practical implementation. Furthermore, by analyzing the surface interactions of two heavy metal cations with the CMC-Cr-2 beads based on FTIR and XPS characterization, a basic understanding of the interaction between bio-sorbents and pollutants in wastewater can be obtained.

Natural-clay-reinforced hydrogel adsorbent: Rapid adsorption of heavy-metal ions and dyes from textile wastewater

In this study, two natural clay minerals were combined with hydrogels to study the influence of natural adsorbents on the adsorption performance of hydrogels. Here, we separately doped bentonite and vermiculite and discussed their mechanical properties and adsorption properties. It was found that the compressive performance of the hydrogel added with clay increased by 21.6% and the swelling performance decreased or increased to varying degrees. Regarding the adsorption performance of hydrogels, it can be seen from the adsorption Langmuir isotherm model that the adsorption capacity of clay-hydrogels is improved to varying degrees (6.6%-15.8%) compared with non-clay-hydrogels, and clay-hydrogels have different degrees of improvement (6.6%-15.8%). The hydrogel has a removal efficiency of more than 95% for low concentrations of heavy-metal ions and dyes. In addition, the clay-hydrogel has low cost and is easy to prepare, and can be recycled many times. Therefore, the material is of great significance for the treatment of pollutants. PRACTITIONER POINTS: The effect of natural clay on the adsorption performance of hydrogels was studied. Clay can enhance the compression and adsorption properties of hydrogels. The adsorption mechanism and adsorption capacity of clay hydrogels were evaluated.

Cyclodextrins inclusion complex: Preparation methods, analytical techniques and food industry applications

This review offers a vision of the chemical behaviour of natural ingredients, synthetic drugs and other related compounds complexed using cyclodextrins. The review takes care of different sections related to i) the inclusion complexes formation with cyclodextrins, ii) the determination of the inclusion formation constant, iii) the most used methods to prepare host inclusion in the non-polar cavity of cyclodextrins and iv) the analytical techniques to evidence host inclusion. The review provides different literature that shows the application of cyclodextrins to improve physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of food compounds including solubility, stability and their elimination/masking. Moreover, the review also offers examples of commercial food/supplement products of cyclodextrins to indicate that cyclodextrins can be used to generate biotechnological substances with innovative properties and improve the development of food products.

Biomass-derived oriented neurovascular network-like superhydrophobic aerogel as robust and recyclable oil droplets captor for versatile oil/water separation

Using tubular kapok fibers (KF) and sodium alginate (SA) as the natural building block, we put forward a novel oriented neurovascular network-like superhydrophobic aerogel with robust dry and wet compression resilience by directional freeze-drying and chemical vapor deposition. In the block, SA forms aligned channel structures providing space for rapid oil transmission, while KF serves as vascular-like capillaries acting as instant "tentacle" to capture the tiny oil droplets in water, facilitating fascinating oil capture efficiency for versatile oil/water separation, The aerogel after dry and wet compression (under a strain of 60%) can recover 96.0% and 97.3% its original, respectively, facilitating stable oil recovery (81.1-89.8%) by squeezing, high separation efficiency (99.04-99.64%) and permeation flux separating oil contaminants from water. A pump-supported experiment shows the aerogel efficiently collecting oil contaminants from the water's surface and bottom by 11503-25611 L·m^-2·h^-1. Particularly, the aerogel as robust oil droplets captor facilely achieves isolation of 99.39-99.68% emulsified oils from oil/water emulsions by novel oil trapping mechanism which simply involves exerting kinetic energy on emulsified oils through repeated oscillation, potentially indicating a simple and efficient alternative to membrane-based oily wastewater remediation via filtration.

Construction of BiOI/TiO2 flexible and hierarchical S-scheme heterojunction nanofibers membranes for visible-light-driven photocatalytic pollutants degradation

Water was the source of life, in order to solve the serious water pollution problem facing the world, researchers have proposed many solutions. Among them, photoelectric catalytic technology based on semiconductor materials was an ideal and sustainable solution. Herein, by combining successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) with sol-gel electrospinning two strategies, a novel S-scheme heterojunction based on flexible and hierarchical BiOI/TiO₂ nanofibrous membranes (BiOI/TiO₂ NFM) was fabricated. The degradation rates of tetracycline (TC) and Rhodamine B (RHB) were 98.7% and 95.6%, respectively, under visible light irradiation. The main reason, except for the benefits offered by the hierarchical nanofiber structure, such as the large surface area, tightly connected interfaces and more exposed active sites, other advantages derived from photogenerated carrier transfer and superior redox ability were also momentous. To reveal the formed S-scheme heterojunction, a variety of test methods were used to characterize and test. These studies showed a significant increase in charge separation efficiency in the BiOI/TiO₂ NFM, and the charge transport of S-scheme heterojunction was demonstrated. This study may offer new design ideas for the design and construction of novel structures of S-scheme heterojunctions.

Phosphate-crosslinked β-cyclodextrin polymer for highly efficient removal of Pb(ii) from acidic wastewater

Novel phosphate-crosslinked β-cyclodextrin polymer was synthesized for highly efficient Pb(ii) removal from acidic wastewater.

Modification of cyclodextrin and use in environmental applications

Water pollution, which has become a global problem in parallel with environmental pollution, is a problem that needs to be solved urgently, considering the gradual depletion of water resources. The inadequacy of the water treatment methods and the materials used somehow directed the researchers to look for dual character structures such as biocompatible and biodegradable β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). β-CD, which is normally insoluble in water, is used in demanding wastewater applications by being modified with the help of different agents to be water soluble or transformed into polymeric adsorbents as a result of co-polymerization via cross-linkers. In this way, in addition to the host-guest interactions offered by β-CD, secondary forces arising from these interactions provide advantages in terms of regeneration and reusability. However, the adsorption efficiency and synthesis steps need to be improved. Based on the current studies presented in this review, in which cross-linkers and modification methods are also mentioned, suggestions for novel synthesis methods of new-generation β-CD-based materials, criticisms, and recent methods of removal of micropollutants such as heavy metals, industrial dyes, harmful biomolecules, and pharmaceutics wastes are mentioned.

Rapid Gelling of Guar Gum Hydrogel Stabilized by Copper Hydroxide Nanoclusters for Efficient Removal of Heavy Metal and Supercapacitors

In this paper, guar gum (GG) hydrogel has been successfully prepared by adding GG and Cu2+ mixture into an alkaline medium. The formation mechanism of the hydrogel has been investigated through various techniques. Results reveal GG facilitates the formation of ultrafine copper hydroxide clusters with a diameter of ∼3 nm. Moreover, these nanoclusters bring about a rapid gelling of GG within 10 ms. The synthesized hydrogel is applied to the adsorption of heavy metal ions from wastewater. The hydrogel shows excellent removal efficiency in removing various heavy metal ions. Besides, the hydrogel derived porous carbon exhibits high specific capacitance (281 F/g at 1 A/g) and excellent rate capacity. The high contaminant removal efficiency character and excellent electrochemical performance endow GG hydrogel with potential applications in the environmental and energy storage field.

A Novel Calcium Oxalate/Sepiolite Composite for Highly Selective Adsorption of Pb(II) from Aqueous Solutions

Synthesizing functional nanomaterials from naturally abundant clay has always been of vital importance for resource utilization, however, the lack of new methods to effectively utilize low-grade clay presents a significant challenge. Herein, a calcium oxalate/sepiolite nanocomposite (SMN-x) was prepared by using the water bath heating method to convert the associated calcium carbonate in low-grade sepiolite into calcium oxalate. The developed composite was subsequently used to remove Pb(II) from the aqueous solutions. The SMN-3 adsorbent prepared by heating in a water bath at 90 °C for 3 h (with a high specific surface area of 234.14 m2·g−1) revealed the maximum Pb(II) adsorption capacity of 504.07 mg·g−1 at pH 5, which was about five times higher than that of sepiolite (105.57 mg·g−1). Further, the SMN-3 adsorbent possessed a much higher selectivity for Pb(II) as compared to the other metal ions. Moreover, the residue was noted to be stable and safe. The adsorption kinetics and isotherms conformed to the quasi-second-order kinetic and Langmuir models. During the adsorption process, ion exchange was noted to the main mechanism, however, it was also accompanied by electrostatic attraction. This study provides a novel strategy for the sustainable development of simple and efficient adsorbents by utilizing low-grade clay minerals.