Carbon tubes from biomass with prominent adsorption performance for paraquat

Paraquat (PQ) pollution has become an increasing seriously threat to the ecological environment. Thus, it is vital to study novel adsorption materials capable of removing PQ. Modified carbon tubes (MCT-600) were prepared by carbonizing the seed hair fibers of Metaplexis japonica at 600 degrees C and further modifying with nitric acid. The MCT-600 was found to possess a regular morphology, a good graphitization degree and an abundance of carboxyl functional groups. Moreover, this materil exhibits excellent adsorption performance for paraquat (PQ), such as a fast adsorption rate (adsorption equilibrium within 20 min), large adsorption capacity (218.61 mg g(-1)) and good regeneration ability (reused more than 5 times). The adsorption process for PQ onto MCT-600 was found to be well matched to a Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetics model. Owing to its unique surface properties, green raw material source and simple preparation process, MCT-600 shows potential as an outstanding candidate for PQ removal from water. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

MCT-600, a modified carbon tube material, exhibits regular morphology, good graphitization degree, and abundant carboxyl functional groups, showing excellent adsorption performance for Paraquat with fast adsorption rate, large adsorption capacity, and good regeneration ability. It has potential as an outstanding candidate for Paraquat removal from water due to its unique surface properties, green raw material source, and simple preparation process.