Synthesis and evaluation of activated carbon/nanoclay/ thiolated graphene oxide nanocomposite for lead(II) removal from aqueous solution

Abstract

Abstract Novel porous nanocomposite (AC/NC/TGO) was successfully synthesized through the composition of activated carbon, nanoclay and graphene oxide as a Pb(II) adsorbent for the treatment of contaminated aqueous environment. The physicochemical properties and morphology of AC/NC/TGO were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption-desorption techniques. Results showed Pb(II) adsorption on the AC/NC/TGO was rapid in the first 20 min and reached equilibrium in 40 min. Kinetic studies showed significant fit to the pseudo second order kinetic model (R2 ≥ 0.9965) giving an equilibrium rate constant (K2) of 0.0017 g mg−1 min−1 for Pb(II) loaded. The experimental adsorption data were better fitted with the Langmuir isotherm model than with the Freundlich isotherm model. Prepared nanocomposite exhibited high values of Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of 1,296 m2 g−1 and total pore volume of 1.01 cm3 g−1. Maximum adsorption capacity (Qmax = 208 mg g−1) and a relatively high adsorption rate was achieved at pH 5.0 using an adsorbent dose of 0.5 g L−1 and an initial lead concentration of 50 mg L−1. High adsorption capacity, reusability, fast kinetics and simple synthesis method indicate that prepared nanocomposite can be suggested as a high-performance adsorbent for Pb(II) removal from polluted water.