Removing lead ions from aqueous solutions by the thiosemicarbazide grafted multi-walled carbon nanotubes

A novel multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) material functionalized with thiosemicarbazide was synthesized successfully and used to remove lead ions from aqueous solutions. The technologies of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis were used to characterize the structure and properties of thiosemicarbazide grafted MWCNTs. The adsorption conditions, such as pH, contact time and temperature, were investigated. The results showed pH affected the adsorption process greatly, and the adsorption process reached equilibrium within 60 min. The maximum adsorption capacity was 42.01 mg/g. The adsorption process fitted well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir model. The thermodynamic parameters indicated the adsorption process was endothermic and spontaneous in nature.