MnFe2O4-loaded bamboo pulp carbon-based aerogel composite: synthesis, characterization and adsorption behavior study for heavy metals removal†

Abstract

Heavy metal wastewater is a direct threat to the ecological environment and human health because it is highly toxic at low concentrations. Therefore, it is very important to explore and develop efficient wastewater treatment agents. MnFe₂O₄-loaded bamboo pulp carbon-based aerogel (MCA) is prepared by directional freeze-drying and carbonization. SEM, TEM, XPS, XRD, BET and FTIR are used to evaluate the physical and chemical properties of MCA. Meanwhile, the adsorption performances of MCA on Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Cd²⁺ are also studied by adsorption kinetics, isothermal curves and thermodynamics. The results show that the adsorption process involves chemical adsorption and physical adsorption, and the adsorption process is a spontaneous endothermic process. The maximum adsorption capacities of MCA for Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Cd²⁺ obtained in the adsorption isotherm experiments were 74.38, 84.21 and 73.63 mg g⁻¹, respectively, showing excellent adsorption performance for Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Cd²⁺. Therefore, the MCA has potential application for wastewater purification of heavy metals containing Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Cd²⁺, meanwhile, this study provides some guidance for the design and application of microspheres for the separation and removal of Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Cd²⁺.