CHEN Xizi ^1,2, CHEN Yanlei ^1,2, W U Qiuping ^1,2, CHEN Feiyun ^1,2, ZHUANG Zanyong ^1,2, YU Yan ^1,2
(1. College of Materials Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, China; 2. Key Laboratory of
Eco-materials Advanced Technology of Fujian Province, Fuzhou University, University, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, China)

Abstract: A nitrilotriacetic acid anhydride (NTAA) modified MCM-41 material (NTAA-MCM-41) was prepared and used to adsorb Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺in an aqueous solution. Its structure and properties were systematically investigated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). They together confirmed that the amine and the ester bonds were chemically bonded to the surface of the MCM-41 materials. When the dosage of NATT-MCM-41 was 1 g/L, the adsorption capacities of Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺were 123.5 mg/g and 103.4 mg/g, respectively, with the initial concentration at 200 mg/L and the natural pH; the optimum solution pH for Pb²⁺and Cu²⁺ adsorption by NATT-MCM-41 was found to be 5.0, the removal efficiencies reached 95 % and 90.5%, respectively; furthermore, the NTAA-MCM-41 adsorbent showed good recyclability and reusability for use through 5 cycles. The result indicated a potential applicability of NTAA-MCM-41 for effective adsorption of metal ions from wastewater.

Key words: MCM-41; nitrilotriacetic acid anhydride; adsorption; heavy metals