Ag-NiO functionalised mesoporous g-C3N4 nanosheets for eradication of lead ions from wastewater

This research aims to create a novel and efficient material for removing lead ions (Pb2+) from aqueous solutions. The Green Ag-NiO coupled with g-C3N4 nanosheets was fabricated and selected as a prospective adsorbent owing to its distinctive characteristics and potential for elevated capacity for adsorption. Nanocomposite was created using a simple process involving sound waves and heat. We examined this material using different scientific tools like scanning and transmission electron microscopes, infrared spectroscopy, surface area analysis, and X-ray diffraction. The effect of Pb2+ ion concentration, pH, and adsorption kinetics were evaluated. Adsorption was established to be pH-dependent, with optimal performance at 7. The observed concentration-dependent adsorption behaviour suggests the AgNiOCN nanocomposite's potential for Pb2+ ion removal from contaminated water sources. Kinetic studies stipulated that the pseudo-second order (PSO) model was involved in adsorption mechanism. The Sips isotherm model best described the adsorption process and the maximum adsorption capacity of the nanocomposite was found to be 155.89 mg/g under optimal conditions of an adsorbent dose of 0.4 g/l, contact time of 320 minutes, and pH value equal to 7. The adsorption process of Pb2+ was linked to surface complexation and cation pi-bonding, as demonstrated by FTIR analyses.