Na/N Co-doped Seaweed Biochar Composite for Efficient Removal of Aqueous Pb(II) and Cu(II)

Pollution from harmful heavy metal ions such as Pb(II) and Cu(II) is causing serious environmental and health problems. In this study, Sodium and nitrogen co-doped porous carbon material (Na/NABc) was successfully prepared from seaweed, sodium hydroxide, and dicyandiamide. The experimental results showed that Na/NABc is an excellent adsorbent for the effective removal of Pb(II) and Cu(II) from water bodies. Specifically, 99.8% of Pb(II) and 64.6% Cu(II) (100 mg/L) were removed within 12 h using 10 mg Na/NABc(10%) at 25 °C. The adsorption of Pb(II) and Cu(II) in aqueous solution by Na/NABc(10%) was efficient and rapid in the first stage. The theoretical maximum removal capacities of Na/NABc for Pb(II) and Cu(II) were 959.6 and 299.1 mg/g, respectively. Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions were adsorbed quickly in the first 60 min, and the kinetics data were generally consistent with a pseudo-second-order model. Na/NABc(10%) had a large distribution coefficient for Pb(II) (8.38 L/mg) and Cu(II) (1.17 L/mg). The possible mechanisms were precipitation, Ion exchange, and surface complexation. The removal rate can reach about 70% after five cycles, and the release of sodium meets the standard. The results of this study demonstrate the potential applicability of Na/NABc(10%) for adsorption of heavy metals from aqueous solution.