Design, synthesis, and characterization of thiol-decorated cross-linked graphene oxide framework for high-capacity Hg2+ ion adsorption

Abstract

A 3D framework was effectively created by cross-linking graphene oxide nanosheets with 2,5-bis(((3-mercaptopropyl)dimethoxysilyl)oxy)terephthalohydrazide as a sulfur-containing linker, resulting in a successful synthesis of a novel chelating adsorbent. The resulting material showed remarkable efficiency in removing Hg2+ ions from polluted water, with a high adsorption capacity of 204.08 mg g−1 at pH 6 and 25 °C. The adsorption process followed a monolayer model described by the Langmuir isotherm, and the kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model, indicating a chemical adsorption mechanism. The material demonstrated rapid adsorption and desorption, maintaining its performance even after multiple regeneration cycles. Overall, the synthesized 3D GOF stands out as an exceptional adsorbent due to its porous structure, efficient chelating functional groups, and robust efficacy in eliminating Hg2+ ions from contaminated water sources.