A novel bio-compatible sorbent based on carbon nanostructure modified by porphyrin for heavy metal separation from industrial wastewaters

A novel method for heavy metal separation has been developed using a carbon nanostructure material. This nanostructure material has been synthesized by hydrothermal condensation of Fructose and modified by porphyrin as a bio-compatible ligand. The formation of this nanostructure was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy (IR), N2 adsorption, thermal analysis (TG/DTA), X-Ray powder diffraction (XRD), elemental analysis (CHN) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The application of this bio-compatible sorbent was investigated in Cd(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Fe(III) separation from aqueous solutions. Several parameters such as sample pH, sample flow rate and temperature were analysed through this study. Finally, in order to investigate the applicability of this sorbent, the sorbent was applied for heavy metals separation in industrial wastewater and natural samples.