180
S. Majidi et al.
Fig. 13 Adsorption rates of
Pb(II) on the OBNNSs, GAC
and bulk BN (C 0 and C
render the initial PB(II)
concentration and those at
various time distances during
the adsorption, respectively).
The figure is adapted with
permission from Elsevier
[80]
metallic ions (Pb
2+ , Cr
3+ , Hg
2+ , and Cu
2+ ) was studied. The OBNNSs exhibited the
same high efficiency as that of Pb(II) which can be seen in Fig. 14. The pivotal
reason for the high removing capacity of the OBNNSs can be mainly considered by
its illustrious polarity of B–O bonds and boron atoms positions.
As we know, to achieve the practical application of adsorbents, the possibility of
several cycles’ usage of the adsorbent is significant. In this regard, the regeneration
of the Pb
2+ -containing OBNNSs was also examined by simple acid elution. The
results showed the removing efficiency of about 67% even after 10 cycles as shown
in Fig. 15. This is due to its corrosion resistance, super anti-oxidation, and structural
strength of OBNNSs. Therefore, this supreme recyclability indicates that OBNNSs
are a promising nanomaterial for the elimination of the metallic ions from polluted
water.
Fig. 14 Comparison of
adsorption ability of
OBNNSs for Pb 2+ , Cr 3+ ,
Hg 2+ , and Cu 2+ . The figure
is adapted with permission
from Elsevier [80]