Synthesis of an attapulgite clay@carbon nanocomposite adsorbent by a hydrothermal carbonization process and their application in the removal of toxic metal ions from water.

A new kind of attapulgite clay@carbon (ATP@C) nanocomposite adsorbent has been synthesized by a one-pot hydrothermal carbonization process under mild conditions using two cheap, ecofriendly materials (i.e., attapulgite clay (ATP), which is a magnesium aluminum silicate that is abundant in nature, and glucose, which is a green chemical obtained from biomass). Compared to carbon-based materials, this new ATP@C nanocomposite exhibits a high adsorption ability for Cr(VI) and Pb(II) ions with maximum adsorption capacities of 177.74 and 263.83 mg·g(-1), respectively. The results demonstrate that this nanocomposite is an exceptionally promising candidate as a low-cost, sustainable, and effective adsorbent for the removal of toxic ions from water.