Go/Zrp as an Effective Adsorbent for Pb(II) Ions Removal From Water: Preparation, Adsorption Behavior, and Equilibrium Studies

Abstract

Contaminated water, especially with heavy metals like lead (Pb(II)), poses significant risks to both ecosystems and human health. This study explores effective materials for removing Pb(II) ions from water, focusing on graphene oxide (GO)‐based nanocomposites known for their high adsorption capacity. Zirconium phosphate (ZrP) was grafted onto GO to form GO/ZrP nanocomposite as a potential adsorbent. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES) were used to study the morphology, thermal degradation and stability, and the adsorption of lead contaminant from water. According to FTIR, XRD, and SEM, a plenty of oxygen‐containing functional groups were attached to expandable graphite, and ZrP was successfully grafted onto GO to enhance its Pb(II) ions removal efficiency. ICP‐OES results showed that the ZrP‐modified GO indeed outperformed pristine GO in removing Pb(II) ions, achieving the maximum removal across all tested parameters. The results indicate that the excellent adsorption properties of GO, coupled with ZrP, which has good ion exchange capabilities, drive the effective removal of Pb(II) from contaminated water. TGA revealed that the thermal stability of GO was enhanced by ZrP.