Novel insight into the adsorption of Cr(VI) and Pb(II) ions by MOF derived Co-Al layered double hydroxide @hematite nanorods on 3D porous carbon nanofiber network

Metal organic framework (MOF) derived layered double hydroxide (LDHs) are not properly probed in the field of the heavy metal ions adsorption from its aqueous solution, although they demonstrated a high possibility in adsorption. In this report, a Co-Al layered double hydroxide loaded with hematite (α-Fe2O3)@3D porous carbon nanofiber ([email protected]2O3/3DPCNF) was synthesized by a sequential hydrothermal process. The Co-Al LDH was derived from a Co-metal organic framework. FE-SEM, TEM, FTIR, XPS, and BET characterizations and Cr(VI) and Pb(II) adsorption capacities of the composites were investigated in detail. The super hydrophilic [email protected]2O3/3DPCNF exhibited superfast removal efficiencies for Cr(VI) and Pb(II) with maximum adsorption capacities of 400.40 mg g−1 and 426.76 mg g−1, respectively. Precipitation, surface complexation, isomorphic substitution, and electron transfer were considered to be the main adsorption mechanisms. Adsorption isotherms were well fitted using the Sips model, and the adsorption thermodynamics demonstrated that the adsorption process is endothermic and spontaneous. The [email protected]2O3/3DPCNF maintained excellent adsorption capacity after ten cycles. The present study provides a new pathway to significantly improve the adsorption performance and stability of LDHs with easy separation from water body.