In this study, we developed a cost effective method of using thiol functionalized g-aluminum oxide hydroxide (g-AlOOH) filters for removing three key heavy metals from water: mercury, lead, and cadmium under non-concomitant conditions.  Compared to non-thiol treated g-AlOOH filters, the introduction of thiol functional groups greatly improved the heavy metal removal efficiency under both static and dynamic filtration conditions.  The adsorption kinetics of thiol functionalized g-AlOOH were investigated using the Lagergren first order and pseudo-second order kinetics models; whereas the isothermal adsorption behavior of these membranes were revealed through the Langmuir and Freundlich models.  Heavy metal concentration was quantified by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectroscopy, and the thiol level on g-AlOOH surface was measured by a colorometric assay using Ellman’s Reagent.   X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy was used to further address the surface sulfur state on the membranes after heavy metal exposure.  <br/> <br/>

Functionalized aluminum oxide hydroxide nanowhiskers for heavy metal removal

254th National Meeting (2017)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.