Defect-rich porous carbon with anti-interference capability for adsorption of bisphenol A via long-range hydrophobic interaction synergized with short-range dispersion force

Abstract Wastewater features-directed design of an adsorbent is promising but challenging strategy for sustainable remediation of actual bisphenol A (BPA)-polluted water. Herein, we report that the discarded cigarette butt-derived porous carbon (AC-800) exhibit high capacity (865 mg/g), rapid reaction rate (186.9 mg/g/min) and outstanding durability for adsorption of BPA. Different from the most reported carbon-based adsorbents, quantitative structure-activity relationship studies unveil that graphitic defect plays a crucial role in the improvement of adsorptivity. Further studies illuminate that π-π interactions, electrostatic attraction and hydrogen-bond interaction play a negligible role whereas long-range hydrophobic interaction synergized with short-range dispersion force make a substantial contribution to BPA adsorption on AC-800. Benefited from this unique adsorption mechanism, AC-800 features a remarkable anti-interference capability and realizes the efficient clean-up of BPA from actual wastewater with complex backgrounds. This work sheds new light on mechanistic insight into the BPA adsorption on carbon-based materials and develops a fit-for-purpose designed adsorbent toward green remediation of practical wastewater.