A three-dimensional magnetic carbon framework derived from Prussian blue and amylopectin impregnated polyurethane sponge for lead removal

A novel three-dimensional (3D) magnetic carbon framework (MCF) is developed and applied as an efficient absorbent for the removal of lead from aqueous medium. The MCF adsorbent was designed with Prussian blue (PB), amylopectin and polyurethane (PU) sponge serving as iron and carbon precursors at a calcination temperature of 450 degrees C. The framework is characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and surface charge analysis to elucidate the mechanism for the formation of the framework structure and its performance in Pb (II) removal. The 3D network structure of PU sponge provides an ideal support for the magnetic PB. Meanwhile, a better porous network structure obtained by the introduction of amylopectin endows MCF with a high specific surface area and a large number of active adsorption sites. An adsorption capacity of up to 386 mg g(-1) for Pb (II) is achieved in aqueous medium at pH 7. MCF provides excellent features of regeneration and ease of magnetic separation, thus it shows a vast potential for water remediation. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.