Highly effective adsorption of As(III) and As(V) via zirconium-based materials with abundant active groups and capacity

Abstract

Arsenate As(V) and arsenite As(III), known for their high toxicity and carcinogenic potential, pose significant threats to environmental and soil health, an efficient arsenic removal technology is urgently needed. In this work, a novel class of zirconium-based adsorbent (AHZOs) was synthesized via the Sol-Gel method, exhibiting a unique nanostructured morphology with low crystallinity and a high density of active hydroxyl groups with a specific surface area of 216.4 m²/g. The AHZOs demonstrated remarkable adsorption capacities of 240.7 mg/g for As(III) and 230 mg/g for As(V), with removal efficiencies strongly influenced by pH value. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. Through comprehensive characterizations and theoretical calculations, the adsorption mechanisms were elucidated, revealing a combination of chemical reactions and hydrogen bonding interactions. This work not only presents a highly efficient adsorbent for arsenic removal but also provides a new design strategy for targeting other environmental pollutants, highlighting its significant potential for practical applications in environmental remediation.