Lignin-based few-layered graphene-encapsulated iron nanoparticles for water remediation

The potential of iron nanoparticles as adsorbents for water remediation has not been fully exploited because their intrinsically low stability. Herein, few-layered graphene-encapsulated ([email protected]0) supported on and within lignin-derived carbon were synthesized via an in-situ thermal conversion ferric nitrate-loaded kraft lignin, i.e., nitrate a Fe source lignin source. structure morphology analyses indicated that these lignin-based [email protected]0 particles sized 5–15 nm in diameter composed nanoscale zero-valent (nZVI) cores shelled with 1–3 graphene layers. ‘few-layered’ shell protects nZVI from fast passivation. support prevents the sites agglomeration. These two features can enhance stability applicability remediation. Consequently, exhibited superior uptake capacities 127.5, 107.2, 214.7, 356.8 mg/g Pb(II), As(III), phosphate, nitrate, respectively. removal mechanism precipitation, redox reaction, catalytic degradation involved. This versatile carbon-supported could be promising renewable adsorbent offering green economic alternatives to conventional using hazardous expensive NaBH4 process.