Study on cobalt metal organic framework material as adsorbent for lead ions removal in aqueous solution

Cobalt-metal-organic frameworks (Co-MOFs) were synthesized and their morphological features studied using thermalgravimetric analysis, Raman spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. Equilibrium and thermodynamic batch adsorption experiments were carried out to determine concentration, time and temperature effects respectively. The morphological images showed Co-MOFs of irregular sized highly crystalline regions. It also showed the presence of C, O, Co and OH which may create charges and functionalities on the surface of the Co-MOF for adsorption. The adsorption studies recorded a rapid uptake of Pb2+ by the Co-MOFs. The equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic studies suggested relatively low temperature (low energy) favoured sorption which was exothermic with a physisorption mechanism.