MoS₄2−-Intercalated MgFe-LDH/Biochar Hybrid for Efficient and Simultaneous Removal of Pb(II) and Cd(II) in Aqueous Solution: Insights into Adsorption Performance and Mechanisms
摘要
Widespread contamination by Pb(II) and Cd(II) poses persistent environmental and public health risks, while achieving selective removal with a clear mechanistic understanding in multicomponent systems remains challenging. Herein, a MgFe-MoS₄-LDH/BC hybrid composite was synthesized via co-precipitation followed by MoS₄2⁻ intercalation to regulate interlayer chemistry and introduce sulfur-based active sites. Adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model, and equilibrium data were well described by the Langmuir model, indicating dominant chemisorption. Under optimized conditions (C₀-Pb = 100 mg/L, C₀-Cd = 20 mg/L, pH = 6.0, dosage = 0.2 g/L), the composite achieved removal efficiencies of 99.53% for Pb(II) and 85.71% for Cd(II). In binary systems, Pb(II) showed stronger competitive behavior, exhibiting only a 4.7% capacity reduction compared to 9.4% for Cd(II). Thermodynamic analysis confirmed that adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic. Combined XRD, FTIR, XPS, and density functional theory (DFT) analyses revealed that metal immobilization was governed by complexation with oxygen- and sulfur-containing groups, surface precipitation (Pb₂(SO₄)O and Cd(OH)₂), and electrostatic attraction. DFT calculations further demonstrated stronger Pb–S interactions, explaining preferential Pb(II) adsorption. The composite maintained high stability after five regeneration cycles, and key scientific challenges and future innovation pathways are summarized to guide practical application. This work provides a rational strategy for designing selective LDH-based composites for heavy-metal remediation.