Synthesis of an Efficient Pb Adsorption Nano-Crystal under Strong Alkali Hydrothermal Environment Using a Gemini Surfactant as Directing Agent

Using a gemini surfactant ([C18H37(CH3)2-N+-(CH2)3-N+-(CH3)2C18H37]Cl2) as the directing agent, K2SiO3 and KAlO2 as the source of silicon and aluminum, a Nano-crystal has been successfully synthesized under a strong alkali hydrothermal condition. The material shows hexahedron morphology and its crystal size is between around 250-500 nm. Its liquid specific surface area is 1313.2 m2·g-1. The adsorption process of Pb on the Nano-crystal follows quasi-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir adsorption isotherm equation. The maximum Pb adsorption capacity of Nano-crystal is around 1105 mg·g-1.

Chen Chen, Ting Cheng, Xiao Zhang, Ruixin Wu and Qingying Wang