Preparation and Characterization of Nano-Calcium Titanate-Based Coated Silica Gel G and the Application in Adsorption of Heavy Metals
Nano-calcium titanate-based coated silica gel G (GCTO) was prepared by the citric acid sol–gel method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR). Its lead, cadmium and nickel ions adsorption properties from water were studied. Adsorption and elution were investigated under different conditions. The results showed that the nanometer calcium titanate was immobilized on the silica gel G firmly, becoming a new composite adsorbent. The lead, cadmium and nickel ions were quantitatively retained at pH 5-9; their adsorption capacities of GCTO were 114 mg•g-1, 11.2 mg•g-1 and 20.1 mg•g-1, respectively. The adsorbent can be regenerated completely by elution with 1 mol•L-1 HNO3. The adsorbent has a promising prospect in removal or enriching and separation of heavy metals in water.