Issue 2, 2019

An indole-based aerogel for enhanced removal of heavy metals from water via the synergistic effects of complexation and cation–π interactions

Abstract

A novel indole-based aerogel (4-HIFA) has been obtained by the condensation of 4-hydroxyindole and formaldehyde via sol–gel technology, which proceeds easily by acid catalysis in one pot. Taking advantage of the synergistic effects of the complexation and cation–π interactions of the hydroxyl and indole groups with heavy metals, the 4-HIFA exhibits enormous capacities for Ni2+ (∼240 mg g−1), Cu2+ (∼265 mg g−1), Cr3+ (∼92 mg g−1) and Zn2+ (∼125 mg g−1), a selectivity order of Ni2+ > Cu2+ > Cr3+ > Zn2+, and a very high distribution coefficient (Kd) of ∼105 mL g−1 which place it at the top of materials known for such removal. Furthermore, the adsorptions for all of the four ions reach equilibrium within ∼5 min. As an efficient, low-cost and renewable adsorbent, 4-HIFA is thus promising for use in the processing of large amounts of sewage.

Graphical abstract: An indole-based aerogel for enhanced removal of heavy metals from water via the synergistic effects of complexation and cation–π interactions

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
29 Jul 2018
Accepted
02 Oct 2018
First published
12 Dec 2018

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 531-539

An indole-based aerogel for enhanced removal of heavy metals from water via the synergistic effects of complexation and cation–π interactions

P. Yang, L. Yang, Y. Wang, L. Song, J. Yang and G. Chang, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019, 7, 531 DOI: 10.1039/C8TA07326K

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