Abstract
The extensive release of water contaminated with lead (Pb(II)) and antimony (Sb(V)) constitutes a serious threat to the human living environment and public health, necessitating immediate attention. In this study, a novel MnFe@SBA composite was synthesized using the hydrothermal method through the in situ growth of MnFe(2)O(4) on SBA-15. The MnFe@SBA exhibits an amorphous structure with a high specific surface area of 405.9 m(2)/g and pore sizes ranging from 2 to 10 nm. Adsorption experiments demonstrated that MnFe@SBA removed over 99% of Pb(II) and 80% of Sb(V) within 120 min at initial concentrations of 10 mg/L, whereas both MnFe(2)O(4) and SBA-15 exhibited poor adsorption capacities. Additionally, the MnFe@SBA displayed excellent tolerance towards coexisting cations, including Na(+), K(+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Zn(2+), Ni(2+), and Cd(2+), as well as anions such as Cl(-), NO(3)(-), CO(3)(2-), and PO(4)(3-). The adsorption behavior of Pb(II) onto MnFe@SBA was satisfactorily described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Freundlich isotherm, while the adsorption of Sb(V) was well-fitted by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm. At 318 K, the maximum adsorption capacities of MnFe@SBA for Pb(II) and Sb(V) were determined to be 329.86 mg/g and 260.40 mg/g, respectively. Mechanistic studies indicated that the adsorption of Pb(II) and Sb(V) onto MnFe@SBA involved two primary steps: electrostatic attraction and complexation. In conclusion, the MnFe@SBA is anticipated to serve as an ideal candidate for efficient removal of Pb(II) and Sb(V) from contaminated water.