Layer structured graphite oxide as a novel adsorbent for humic acid removal from aqueous solution

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Graphite oxide (GO) is a layered material derived from graphite.
• Humic acid (HA) is a major component of natural organic matter in aquatic environments.
• Efficient removal of HA is crucial for water purification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize graphite oxide (GO).
• To investigate the humic acid (HA) adsorption performance of GO in aqueous solutions.
• To compare GO's adsorption capacity with graphite and activated carbon.

Main Methods:

• Graphite oxide (GO) prepared using the Hummers-Offeman method.
• Characterization via N(2) adsorption, XRD, XPS, SEM(TEM), and FT-IR.
• Humic acid (HA) adsorption experiments conducted under varying pH and solid loading conditions.

Main Results:

• Characterization confirmed the layered structure and functional groups of GO.
• GO demonstrated significantly higher HA adsorption capacity than pristine graphite.
• Maximum adsorption capacity of GO reached 190 mg/g, exceeding that of activated carbon.
• HA adsorption decreased with increasing pH, indicating an optimal pH range for GO adsorption.

Conclusions:

• Graphite oxide (GO) is a promising adsorbent for humic acid (HA) removal from water.
• The adsorption process is influenced by solution pH and adsorbent loading.
• GO offers a superior alternative to conventional adsorbents like activated carbon for HA remediation.