Lamellar γ-AlOOH architectures: Synthesis and application for the removal of HCN

Abstract

Using hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as a structure-directing agent and precipitator, the complete synthesis of lamellar γ-AlOOH architectures was successfully accomplished via a hydrothermal route. Different product structures were obtained by varying the molar ratio of aluminum nitrate and CTAB. Several techniques, including X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry thermal analysis, were used to characterize the products. The effects of CTAB concentration, reaction temperature and time, and the molar ratio of Al 3+ /CTAB on the product morphologies were investigated. The nitrogen adsorption and desorption measurements indicated that the γ-AlOOH architectures possess a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area of approximately 75.02 m 2 /g. It was also demonstrated that 10 mg γ-AlOOH architectures can remove 45.3% of the HCN (1.68 μg/mL) from model wastewater. When 0.03 mg/cig γ-AlOOH architectures were combined with cigarette paper, 8.12% of the present HCN was adsorbed. These results indicate that lamellar γ-AlOOH architectures may be a potential adsorbent for removing HCN from highly toxic pollutant solutions and harmful cigarette smoke. ► Hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) was used as a structure-directing agent and precipitator. ► Hydrothermal treatment enables growth of lamellar γ-AlOOH architectures. ► Lamellar γ-AlOOH architectures were demonstrated to exhibit high BET surface area and excellent adsorptive capacity. ► HCN in contaminated water and cigarette smoke can be effectively removed by the prepared lamellar γ-AlOOH superstructures.