Steam-treated CeO2-ZrO2/activated carbon fibers for the efficient removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solutions

Abstract

In the present work, the activated carbon fibers (ACFs) with homogenous and crystalline CeO2-ZrO2 coatings were obtained using a facile water steam treatment process at a low temperature (300 °C) for efficient removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solutions. The morphology, surface chemical states, and adsorption performance were studied extensively. Results demonstrated that the steam-treated CeO2-ZrO2/ACFs possessed superior high surface areas (783.23 m2 g−1) and pore volumes (0.41 cm3 g−1). Moreover, numerous C-O-M bonds formed in the interface between CeO2-ZrO2 coatings and ACFs, which can endow the adsorbent desired mechanical property and service durability as well as many surface hydroxyl groups were found and adsorption capacity (61.54 mg g−1 at pH 6.5 ± 0.3 and 25 °C). It was suggested that the steam-treated CeO2-ZrO2/ACFs could be considered as a promising adsorbent towards wastewater treatment.