Adsorption of Pb(II) from aqueous solution by a poly-elemental mesoporous adsorbent

A poly-elemental mesoporous adsorbent was hydrothermally prepared from microcline in an alkaline condition with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as synthesis directing agent. The properties of the mesoporous adsorbent were determined by X-ray powder diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscope, N2 adsorption, and solid-state Magic Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. The pore size distribution was detected by small angle X-ray scattering. The particles size was observed by Scanning electron microscope imagine. The chemical content of SiO2 in the mesoporous adsorbent was determined by spectrometry of the silicone molybdenum and sulfosalicylic acid complexes, and Al2O3 determined by complexometry with ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid in the presence of KF-Zn(Ac)2 tests. The adsorption properties of the mesoporous adsorbent to Pb(II) were studied, and three main factors, the adsorption time, solution pH, and initial concentration of Pb(II), were considered in the adsorption experiments.

Graphical abstract. The mesoporous adsorbent is poly-element, was prepared from microcline, and with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as synthesis directing agent. The Pb(II) experimental uptake of the adsorbent was about 367 mg g−1.Download full-size imageHighlights► A poly-elemental mesoporous adsorbent was hydrothermally prepared from microcline in an alkaline condition with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as synthesis directing agent. ► BET specific surface area was 835 m2 g−1, and pore size distribution ranging from 1.5 nm to 7.0 nm. ► The Pb(II) experimental uptake was about 367 mg g−1, a little smaller than the theoretical one (377.17 mg g−1) given by Langmuir isotherm model.