Novel deep eutectic solvent-functionalized carbon nanotubes adsorbent for mercury removal from water

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) possess favorable physicochemical properties, leading to their increasing application across scientific disciplines.
• Mercury ions (Hg2+) pose significant environmental and health risks, necessitating effective removal strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a novel adsorbent for Hg2+ removal based on DES-functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs).
• To optimize the adsorption conditions for Hg2+ using response surface methodology (RSM).

Main Methods:

• Functionalization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using a DES composed of tetra-n-butyl ammonium bromide (TBAB) and glycerol (Gly).
• Characterization of the novel adsorbent using techniques including Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, FESEM, EDX, BET, and Zeta potential.
• Optimization of Hg2+ adsorption parameters via response surface methodology (RSM).

Main Results:

• The adsorption of Hg2+ was accurately described by a pseudo-second order kinetic model.
• Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models provided acceptable fits for Hg2+ absorption.
• The maximum adsorption capacity of the novel DES-functionalized CNT adsorbent reached 177.76 mg/g.

Conclusions:

• DES-functionalized CNTs represent a highly effective adsorbent for Hg2+ removal.
• The developed material demonstrates significant potential for environmental remediation applications.
• Optimization using RSM confirmed the efficiency of the adsorption process.