Synthesis of porous CdO sheet-like nanostructure based on soft template model and application in dye pollutants adsorption

Abstract

In this work, the synthesis of porous structure of cadmium oxide with multilayered sheet-like morphology in nano-meter size using adipic acid as soft template by solvothermal/thermal decomposition process is reported. Chemical analyses exhibited that the formation of porous sheet-like structure is originated from bidentate coordination mode of adipate units to Cd-center. It was found that the change of reaction conditions can vary final morphology of product due to the different coordination modes of adipate units. The structural and morphological characterizations of product were discussed in detail. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis indicated a specific surface area of 52.08 m 2 g - 1 with pore size distribution centered at 11.7 nm for prepared CdO sheet-like nanostructure. The capability of the as prepared product for adsorption of dye pollutants from aqueous solution was also studied. The results showed a maximum adsorption capacity (q max ) of 500 mg g -1 for adsorption of Congo Red (CR) dye in water revealing a superior ability of this product for adsorption of dye pollutants.