Porous BMTTPA-CS-GO nanocomposite for the efficient removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions

In this study, a stable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly porous 2,5-bis(methylthio)terephthalaldehyde-chitosan-grafted graphene oxide (BMTTPA-CS-GO) nanocomposite was synthesized by covalently grafting BMTTPA-CS onto the surfaces of graphene oxide and used for removing heavy metal ions from polluted water. According to well-established Hg2+-thioether coordination chemistry, the newly designed covalently linked stable porous BMTTPA-CS-GO nanocomposite with thioether units on the pore walls greatly increases the adsorption capacity of Hg2+ and does not cause secondary pollution to the environment. The results of sorption experiments and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry measurements demonstrate that the maximum adsorption capacity of Hg2+ on BMTTPA-CS-GO at pH 7 is 306.8 mg g(-1), indicating that BMTTPA-CS-GO has excellent adsorption performance for Hg2+. The experimental results show that this stable, environmentally friendly, cost-effective and excellent adsorption performance of BMTTPA-CS-GO makes it a potential nanocomposite for removing Hg2+ and other heavy metal ions from polluted water, and even drinking water. This study suggests that covalently linked crucial groups on the surface of carbon-based materials are essential for improving the adsorption capacity of adsorbents for heavy metal ions.

Automated summary

This study synthesized a stable, environmentally friendly, and porous BMTTPA-CS-GO nanocomposite for removing Hg2+ from polluted water. With a maximum adsorption capacity of 306.8 mg g(-1) at pH 7, the nanocomposite showed excellent adsorption performance. The results demonstrate the potential of covalently linked crucial groups on carbon-based materials for improving the adsorption capacity of adsorbents for heavy metal ions.