Facile synthesis of highly active ZrO2-MgO@g-C3N4 nanostructures for efficient removal of Cd (II) ions: Adsorption mechanism

Abstract

This study aims to assess the ultrasonic fabricated ternary composite ZrO2-MgO@g-C3N4 (ZMCN) as a sorbent for the noxious cadmium (II) ions removal from aquatic media. The successful synthesis of the nanocomposite was validated by the XRD that revealed the development of the three phases of the ternary composite, the SEM morphology exposed the metal oxides nanoparticles dispersed in the nitride sheets and the elemental composition was confirmed by the XPS and EDX analysis. The ZMCN nanostructures' efficacy was scrutinized through batch experiments where the adsorption equilibrium fitted the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, with exceptional high qmax = 551 mg.g−1, and the Freundlich isotherm as well. Similarly, the adsorption kinetics findings matched both the pseudo-first and pseudo-second order patterns. In addition, the adsorbent proved high adsorption competence towards Cu (II) and Pb (II) ions as well as good recyclability for the Cd (II) ions. The findings of this work provide significant information about the possible use of ZMCN nanomaterials as efficient sorbents for the elimination of hazardous toxic metal ions from polluted water.