Defluoridation by rice spike-like akaganeite anchored graphene oxide

Due to intake of excessive fluoride in drinking water, endemic fluorosis, the most widely distributed endemic diseases has caused worldwide attention. In this study, akaganeite anchored graphene oxide (beta-FeOOH@GO) nanocomposites were synthesized by in situ forced hydrolysis of ferric chloride in presence of graphene oxide under facile condition. beta-FeOOH@GO was characterized and evaluated as a new potential carbon sorbent for defluoridation in environmental application. The application pH, adsorption capacity, adsorption kinetic and anti-interference ability in defluoridation with beta-FeOOH@GO was described. On the basis of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, defluoridation mechanism involving the ion-exchange with chloride anions bearing in beta-FeOOH@GO is indicated at molecular level from a new perspective way. It is a good supplement to classical hydroxyl replacement mechanism. It would be useful for the improvement of adsorption capacity and kinetics through designing facile anions-exchange adsorbents.