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Self-propelled thiol functionalized SiO2@MnO2 microstructure for dynamic extraction of pollutants from the aquatic
Sudeshna Saha1, Mehzabin Pimple2, Arti Kumari2
1Analytical Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, India. sudeshna@barc.gov.in.
Scientific Reports
|June 8, 2026
Summary
A novel self-propelled Janus microstructure effectively removes toxic lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) from water. This innovative SiO2@MnO2@SH material offers a promising solution for advanced water purification technologies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Chemistry
Background:
- The global freshwater crisis is exacerbated by insufficient supply and lack of safe drinking water.
- Contamination with toxic heavy metals like lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) poses significant health and environmental risks.
- Existing water purification methods struggle with efficient removal of these persistent pollutants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and apply a novel self-propelled Janus microstructure for efficient removal of Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions.
- To investigate the adsorption dynamics and mechanisms of the developed material in various aquatic environments.
- To assess the potential of this technology for advanced water purification.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of thiol-functionalized silica-coated manganese dioxide (SiO2@MnO2@SH) microstructure.
- Characterization using XRD, SEM, and ATR-FTIR to confirm material properties.
- Application of the microstructure for heavy metal removal in seawater, groundwater, and lake water, with kinetic and DFT studies.
Main Results:
- The SiO2@MnO2@SH microstructure achieved over 99% removal efficiency for Pb and over 96% for Cd.
- Adsorption data fitted well with Langmuir, Freundlich, and Sips isotherm models, indicating favorable sorption.
- DFT analysis revealed strong binding energies for Cd2+ (-175.95 kcal mol-1) and Pb2+ (-179.91 kcal mol-1).
Conclusions:
- The self-propelled SiO2@MnO2@SH microstructure, activated by H2O2, is a highly effective adsorbent for Pb and Cd.
- The material demonstrates dynamic motion and efficient adsorption, enhancing water decontamination.
- This technology presents a promising advancement in water purification for removing toxic heavy metals.
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