Different morphologies of carbon nanotubes effect on the lead removal from aqueous solution

Four kinds of CNTs with different morphologies were produced by chemical vapour deposition method. After oxidation with nitric acid, their specific surface area, particle size distribution and functional groups on the surfaces were characterized. Adsorption isothermal experiment shows that the CNTs with more defects, which can be easily introduced more functional groups on their surfaces prepared at 650 °C, have higher lead adsorption capability from aqueous solution and are promising adsorbents in wastewater treatment.