Efficient removal of Cr(VI) and Pb(II) from aqueous solution by magnetic nitrogen-doped carbon

The magnetic nitrogen-doped carbon (MNC) was prepared from polypyrrole by a simple high temperature calcination process in this paper. The structure and properties of MNC were analyzed by scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Brunner-Emmet-Teller, vibrating sample magnetometer, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The capacity of MNC to adsorb Cr(VI) and Pb(II) was evaluated. The effects of the initial pH, dosage, concentration and temperature on the adsorption capacity of MNC were measured. MNC had a large specific surface area and a special porous structure. Its nitrogen and carbon sources were rich, and the ratio of carbon to nitrogen was fixed. The maximum Cr(VI)-adsorption capacity and maximum Pb(II) adsorption capacity of MNC could reach 456.63 and 507.13 mg·g−1 at 318 K, respectively. The pseudo-second-order model was used to describe the adsorption kinetics of MNC, and the Freundlich model was employed to discuss its isotherms. The adsorption process was affected by the electrostatic force, the reducing reaction, pores and chelation. The results of this study suggest that MNC is a material with superior performance, and is very easily regenerated, reused, and separated in the adsorption process.