(80j) EDTA Functionalized Mxene for Heavy Metal Ions Removal from Contaminated Water

This study investigates the surface modification of MXene using tms-EDTA (EDTA@MXene) and assesses its efficacy as an adsorbent for removing heavy metal ions from polluted water. Compared to unmodified MXene, EDTA@MXene showed significantly enhanced removal capacities for five different heavy metals (Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Zn²⁺). The research further delves into the adsorption characteristics of EDTA@MXene, focusing particularly on Ni²⁺ as a representative adsorbate. The developed EDTA@MXene adsorbent exhibited outstanding efficiency in Ni²⁺ removal, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 137 mg. g^-1 (174% higher than pristine MXene at 50 mg. g^-1), and rapid kinetics (achieved equilibrium within 30 minutes). Kinetic analysis indicated that Ni²⁺ adsorption followed a pseudo-second-order model, while equilibrium data fit the Freundlich model. Thermodynamic analyses revealed the endothermic nature of the adsorption process, highlighting a strong interaction between Ni²⁺ and EDTA@MXene driven by electrostatic attraction and complexation. Moreover, the metal-loaded adsorbent displayed robust regeneration potential using a 0.2 M HCl solution, enabling over five cycles of reuse with > 80 % efficiency. These results underscore the potential of EDTA@MXene as a viable and recyclable adsorbent for treating industrial wastewater.