Skip to main content

High performance of 3D porous graphene/lignin/sodium alginate composite for adsorption of Cd(II) and Pb(II)

Environmental Science and Pollution Research volume 25, pages 15651–15661 (2018)Cite this article

Abstract

A novel adsorbent, three-dimensional porous graphene/lignin/sodium alginate nanocomposite (denoted as 3D PG/L/SA) was fabricated by hydrothermal polymerization of lignin and sodium alginate in the presence of graphene oxide (GO) in an aqueous system. Fourier transform infrared spectra, thermo-gravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to characterize the morphology and structure of this novel functional PG/L/SA nanocomposite. A series of adsorption experiments for cleanup of Cd(II) and Pb(II) were conducted to investigate the effects of lignin and sodium alginate on the graphene structure. It was found that PG/L/SA showed a significant increase in adsorption capacity contrast to porous graphene (PG). The as-prepared material achieved the adsorption capacity for Cd(II) and Pb(II) of 79.88 and 226.24 mg/g, respectively. Meanwhile, the adsorption process matched well with the Langmuir isotherm model and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Studies were also conducted to demonstrate the applicability of the sorbent to the removal of heavy metal ions from metal smelting wastewater.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Access options

Buy single article

Instant access to the full article PDF.

USD 39.95

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8

References

  • Al-Lagtah NMA, Al-Muhtaseb A'a H, Ahmad MNM, Salameh Y (2016) Chemical and physical characteristics of optimal synthesised activated carbons from grass-derived sulfonated lignin versus commercial activated carbons. Microporous Mesoporous Mater 225:504–514

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Algothmi WM, Bandaru NM, Yu Y, Shapter JG, Ellis AV (2013) Alginate-graphene oxide hybrid gel beads: an efficient copper adsorbent material. J Colloid Interface Sci 397:32–38

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Anastopoulos I, Massas I, Ehaliotis C (2013) Composting improves biosorption of Pb2+ and Ni2+ by renewable lignocellulosic materials. Characteristics and mechanisms involved. Chem Eng J 231:245–254

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Anastopoulos I, Massas I, Ehaliotis C (2015) Use of residues and by-products of the olive-oil production chain for the removal of pollutants from environmental media: a review of batch biosorption approaches. J Environ Sci Health A 50(7):677–718

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cao K, Jiang Z, Zhao J, Zhao C, Gao C, Pan F et al (2014) Enhanced water permeation through sodium alginate membranes by incorporating graphene oxides. J Membr Sci 469:272–283

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chen K, Ling Y, Cao C, Li X, Chen X, Wang X (2016) Chitosan derivatives/reduced graphene oxide/alginate beads for small-molecule drug delivery. Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl 69:1222–1228

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cortizas AM, López-Merino L, Bindler R, Mighall T, Kylander ME (2016) Early atmospheric metal pollution provides evidence for chalcolithic/bronze age mining and metallurgy in southwestern Europe. Sci Total Environ 545:398–406

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cotoruelo LM, Marques MD, Rodriguez-Mirasol J, Rodriguez JJ, Cordero T (2009) Lignin-based activated carbons for adsorption of sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate: equilibrium and kinetic studies. J Colloid Interface Sci 332(1):39–45

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Deuss PJ, Barta K (2016) From models to lignin: transition metal catalysis for selective bond cleavage reactions. Coord Chem Rev 306:510–532

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fan J, Shi Z, Lian M, Li H, Yin J (2013) Mechanically strong graphene oxide/sodium alginate/polyacrylamide nanocomposite hydrogel with improved dye adsorption capacity. J Mater Chem A 1(25):7433

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fei Y, Li Y, Han S, Ma J (2016) Adsorptive removal of ciprofloxacin by sodium alginate/graphene oxide composite beads from aqueous solution. J Colloid Interface Sci 484:196–204

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Freundlich HMF (1906) Over the adsorption in solution. J Phys Chem 57(385):e470

    Google Scholar 

  • Gao T, Yu J, Zhou Y, Jiang X (2017a) Performance of xanthate-modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes on adsorption of lead ions. Water. Air, & Soil Pollution 228(5):172

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gao T, Yu J, Zhou Y, Jiang X (2017b) The synthesis of graphene oxide functionalized with dithiocarbamate group and its prominent performance on adsorption of lead ions. J Taiwan Inst Chem Eng 71:426–432

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ge Y, Qin L, Li Z (2016) Lignin microspheres: an effective and recyclable natural polymer-based adsorbent for lead ion removal. Mater Des 95:141–147

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Grattan JP, Gilbertson DD, Kent M (2013) Sedimentary metal-pollution signatures adjacent to the ancient Centre of copper metallurgy at Khirbet Faynan in the desert of southern Jordan. J Archaeol Sci 40(11):3834–3853

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • He D, Wang W, Fu Y, Zhao R, Xue W, Hu W (2016) Formation of three-dimensional honeycomb-like nitrogen-doped graphene for use in energy-storage devices. Compos A: Appl Sci Manuf 91:140–144

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ho Y-S, McKay G (1999) Pseudo-second order model for sorption processes. Process Biochem 34(5):451–465

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ionita M, Pandele MA, Iovu H (2013) Sodium alginate/graphene oxide composite films with enhanced thermal and mechanical properties. Carbohydr Polym 94(1):339–344

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kim T II, Song MJ, Kim YB, Shin MW (2016) Microwave-hydrothermal synthesis of boron/nitrogen co-doped graphene as an efficient metal-free electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction. Int J Hydrog Energy 41(47):22026–22033

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lagergren S (1898) Zur theorie der sogenannten adsorption geloster stoffe, Kungliga svenska vetenskapsakademiens. Handlingar 24:1–39

    Google Scholar 

  • Langmuir I (1918) The adsorption of gases on plane surfaces of glass, mica and platinum. J Am Chem Soc 40(9):1361–1403

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lee KY, Mooney DJ (2012) Alginate: properties and biomedical applications. Prog Polym Sci 37(1):106–126

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li Y, Zhao X, Xu Q, Zhang Q, Chen D (2011) Facile preparation and enhanced capacitance of the polyaniline/sodium alginate nanofiber network for supercapacitors. Langmuir 27(10):6458–6463

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li Y, Du Q, Liu T, Sun J, Wang Y, Wu S et al (2013) Methylene blue adsorption on graphene oxide/calcium alginate composites. Carbohydr Polym 95(1):501–507

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lin B, Du Z (2017) Promoting energy conservation in China's metallurgy industry. Energy Policy 104:285–294

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu W, Zhou R, Zhou D, Ding G, Soah JM, Yue CY, Lu X (2015) Lignin-assisted direct exfoliation of graphite to graphene in aqueous media and its application in polymer composites. Carbon 83:188–197

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lv J, Liang T (2016) Nanoporous graphene obtained by hydrothermal process in H2O2 and its application for supercapacitors. Chem Phys Lett 659:61–65

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ma C, Peng L, Feng Y, Shen J, Xiao Z, Cai K, Epstein AJ (2016) Polyfurfuryl alcohol spheres template synthesis of 3D porous graphene for high-performance supercapacitor application. Synth Met 220:227–235

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Naseem A, Tabasum S, Zia KM, Zuber M, Ali M, Noreen A (2016) Lignin-derivatives based polymers, blends and composites: a review. Int J Biol Macromol 93:296–313

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nie L, Liu C, Wang J, Shuai Y, Cui X, Liu L (2015) Effects of surface functionalized graphene oxide on the behavior of sodium alginate. Carbohydr Polym 117:616–623

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nie Z, Yang Y, Tang Z, Liu F, Wang Q, Huang Q (2014) Estimation and characterization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from magnesium metallurgy facilities in China. Environ Sci Pollut Res 21(22):12629–12637

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nocete F, Álex E, Nieto JM, Sáez R, Bayona MR (2005) An archaeological approach to regional environmental pollution in the south-western Iberian peninsula related to third millennium BC mining and metallurgy. J Archaeol Sci 32(10):1566–1576

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Paldyna J, Krasnodebska-Ostrega B, Kregielewska K, Kowalska J, Jedynak L, Golimowski J, Farbiszewska T (2013) The assessment of environmental pollution caused by mining and metallurgy wastes from highly polluted post-industrial regions in southern Poland. Environ Earth Sci 68(2):439–450

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pandi K, Viswanathan N (2016) A facile synthesis of metal ion-imprinted graphene oxide/alginate hybrid biopolymeric beads for enhanced fluoride sorption. RSC Adv 6(79):75905–75915

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sui N, Wang L, Wu X, Li X, Sui J, Xiao H, William WY (2015) Polyethylenimine modified magnetic graphene oxide nanocomposites for cu 2+ removal. RSC Adv 5(1):746–752

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sui Z-Y, Cui Y, Zhu J-H, Han B-H (2013) Preparation of three-dimensional graphene oxide–polyethylenimine porous materials as dye and gas adsorbents. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 5(18):9172–9179

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tripathi SK, Goyal R, Gupta KC, Kumar P (2013) Functionalized graphene oxide mediated nucleic acid delivery. Carbon 51:224–235

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Valero-Romero MJ, Márquez-Franco EM, Bedia J, Rodríguez-Mirasol J, Cordero T (2014) Hierarchical porous carbons by liquid phase impregnation of zeolite templates with lignin solution. Microporous Mesoporous Mater 196:68–78

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang J, Liu C, Shuai Y, Cui X, Nie L (2014) Controlled release of anticancer drug using graphene oxide as a drug-binding effector in konjac glucomannan/sodium alginate hydrogels. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 113:223–229

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang J, Chen B (2015) Adsorption and coadsorption of organic pollutants and a heavy metal by graphene oxide and reduced graphene materials. Chem Eng J 281:379–388

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang K, Cao Y, Wang X, Castro MA, Luo B, Gu Z, Fan Q (2016) Rod-shape porous carbon derived from aniline modified lignin for symmetric supercapacitors. J Power Sources 307:462–467

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang Z, Chai L, Wang Y, Yang Z, Wang H, Wu X (2011) Potential health risk of arsenic and cadmium in groundwater near Xiangjiang River, China: a case study for risk assessment and management of toxic substances. Environ Monit Assess 175(1):167–173

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wu S, Zhao X, Li Y, Zhao C, Du Q, Sun J, Xia L (2013) Adsorption of ciprofloxacin onto biocomposite fibers of graphene oxide/calcium alginate. Chem Eng J 230:389–395

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Xie A, Dai J, Chen X, Ma P, He J, Li C et al (2016) Ultrahigh adsorption of typical antibiotics onto novel hierarchical porous carbons derived from renewable lignin via halloysite nanotubes-template and in-situ activation. Chem Eng J 304:609–620

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Xu L, Mao W, Huang J, Li S, Huang K, Li M, Chen Q (2016) Economical, green route to highly fluorescence intensity carbon materials based on ligninsulfonate/graphene quantum dots composites: application as excellent fluorescent sensing platform for detection of Fe3+ ions. Sensors Actuators B Chem 230:54–60

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yu P, He H, Jia Y, Tian S, Chen J, Jia D, Luo Y (2016) A comprehensive study on lignin as a green alternative of silica in natural rubber composites. Polym Test 54:176–185

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zeng JX, Ye HQ, Huang ND, Liu JF, Zheng LF (2009) Selective separation of hg(II) and cd(II) from aqueous solutions by complexation–ultrafiltration process. Chemosphere 76(5):706–710

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Y, Cui P, Zhang F, Feng X, Wang Y, Yang Y, Liu X (2016) Fluorescent probes for “off–on” highly sensitive detection of Hg2+ and L-cysteine based on nitrogen-doped carbon dots. Talanta 152:288–300

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou F, Yu J, Jiang X (2017) 3D porous graphene synthesised using different hydrothermal treatment times for the removal of lead ions from an aqueous solution. Micro Nano Lett 12(5):308–311

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 21571191 and No. 51674292) and Provincial Natural Science Foundation of Hunan (2016JJ1023).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China

    Fang Zhou, Xuezhen Feng, Jingang Yu & Xinyu Jiang

Authors
  1. Fang Zhou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Xuezhen Feng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Jingang Yu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Xinyu Jiang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Xinyu Jiang.

Additional information

Responsible editor: Guilherme L. Dotto

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Zhou, F., Feng, X., Yu, J. et al. High performance of 3D porous graphene/lignin/sodium alginate composite for adsorption of Cd(II) and Pb(II). Environ Sci Pollut Res 25, 15651–15661 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-1733-8

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-1733-8

Keywords

  • Three-dimensional porous graphene
  • Lignin
  • Sodium alginate
  • Metal ions
  • Adsorption