Synthesis of ordered large-pore mesoporous carbon for Cr(VI) adsorption

Highly ordered mesoporous carbon with large accessible pores (OMC-P) was prepared by using laboratory-made poly(ethylene oxide)-b-polystyrene diblock copolymer as template via the evaporation-induced self-assembly method. The OMC-P was first used as adsorbent for removal of Cr(VI) ion from aqueous solution. Adsorption behavior was studied as a function of time, concentration of adsorbate, temperature, and pH. The kinetics of adsorption of Cr(VI) ion onto OMC-P is well fit to the pseudo-second order model. The Cr(VI) ion adsorption is favored at lower temperatures and at initial acid pH values in the equilibrium. The Freundlich and the Langmuir isotherm fit the equilibrium data satisfactorily. The influence of porosity on equilibrium adsorption capacity was investigated on three types of carbon materials, namely, OMC-P, ordered mesoporous carbon templated from amphiphilic triblock copolymer F127 (OMC-F) and commercial activated carbon (AC). The prepared OMC-P exhibits much higher adsorption performance than the other two carbons.

We report the successful synthesis of ordered large-pore mesoporous carbon with uniformly penetrating channels by the evaporation induced self-assembly process. The ordered large-pore mesoporous carbon (OMC-P) is first reported here as adsorbent for adsorption of Cr(VI) ion from aqueous solution.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Ordered large-pore mesoporous carbon was prepared by using PEO-b-PS diblock copolymer.
► OMC-P was first used as adsorbent for removal of Cr(VI) ion from aqueous solution.
► Ordered large-pore mesoporous carbon is effective for the removal of Cr(VI).