Preparation of Functionalized Graphene Nano-platelets and Use for Adsorption of Pb²⁺ from Solution

Abstract

Functionalized graphene nano-platelets (FGN) were obtained via treating graphene nanoplatelets (GN) with HNO₃, and served as adsorbent for the removal of Pb²⁺ from solutions. We investigated the FGN adsorption capacity for Pb²⁺ at different initial concentrations, varying pH, contact time and temperature. The characterization results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal analysis (TG/DTG), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method indicated that FGN layers were thin and possess large specific area with oxygen-containing functional groups grafted onto their surface. Meanwhile, the determined equilibrium adsorption capacity of FGN for Pb²⁺ was 57.765 mg/g and adsorption isotherms well confirmed to Langmuir isotherms models. The results reveals that the FGN has better effect of water treatment.

Keywords

functionalized graphene nano-platelets / water treatment / adsorption

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