Uniform surface modification of diatomaceous earth with amorphous manganese oxide and its adsorption characteristics for lead ions

Abstract A novel method to produce composite sorbent material compromising porous diatomaceous earth (DE) and surface functionalized amorphous MnO 2 is reported. Via a simple in situ redox reaction over the carbonized DE powders, a uniform layer of amorphous MnO 2 was anchored onto the DE surface. The hybrid adsorbent was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and infrared spectroscopy. The batch method has been employed to investigate the effects of surface coating on adsorption performance of DE. According to the equilibrium studies, the adsorption capacity of DE for adsorbing lead ions after MnO 2 modification increased more than six times. And the adsorption of Pb 2+ on the MnO 2 surface is based on ion-exchange mechanism. The developed strategy presents a novel opportunity to prepare composite adsorbent materials by integrating nanocrystals with porous matrix.