Enhanced boron adsorption onto synthesized MgO nanosheets by ultrasonic method

Abstract

MgO nanosheets with high adsorption performance were fabricated by an ultrasonic method. It was revealed that, nest-like MgO was formed from the magnesium salt solution precipitation and further calcination. Then the nest-like MgO was exfoliated by ultrasonic waves to obtain MgO nanosheets with approximately a lateral of 200–600nm and a thickness of 10nm. Adjusting the ultrasonic time and power, the specific surface areas of MgO nanosheets could be tuned in a range of 79–168m2/g. The synthesized MgO nanosheets were used as adsorbents to remove boron from aqueous solution, and the maximum boron adsorption capacity of these MgO nanosheets reached 87mgg−1. The high uptake capability of the MgO nanosheets makes it potentially adsorbent for the removal of boron from wastewaters.