Surface-Engineered Sponge Decorated with Copper Selenide for Highly Efficient Gas-Phase Mercury Immobilization
2020
Yang, Jianping | Li, Qin | Zu, Hongxiao | Yang, Zequn | Qu, Wenqi | Li, Min | Li, Hailong
The paramount challenge in design and synthesis of materials for vapor-phase elemental mercury (Hg⁰) immobilization is to achieve a balance between performance and economy for practical applications. Herein, a newly designed electroless plating coupled with an in situ selenization method was developed to construct a copper selenide (Cu₂Se)-functionalized commercial polyurethane sponge (PUS) as an efficient Hg⁰ trap. Intrinsic features such as easy availability of the raw material, facile preparation, and excellent performance guarantee the Cu₂Se/PUS to be applicable in industrial uses. The Cu₂Se/PUS exhibits a maximum adsorption capacity (Qₘ,Cᵤ₂Sₑ/PUS) of 25.90 mg·g–¹, while this value is 758.80 mg·g–¹ when normalized to the Cu₂Se coating amount. This value of Qₘ,Cᵤ₂Sₑ is equal to 79.7% of its corresponding theoretical value (Qₜ,Cᵤ₂Sₑ), far exceeding the availability of Cu₂Se anchored on other supports. Meanwhile, the Cu₂Se/PUS exhibited a quick response for Hg⁰, with an extremely high uptake rate of 1275.84 μg·g–¹·min–¹. Even under harsh conditions, the Cu₂Se/PUS still immobilizes Hg⁰ effectively, which is crucial for real-world applications. This work not only provides a promising trap for permanent Hg⁰ sequestration from industrial sources but also illustrates a versatile platform for the economic fabrication and practical application of advanced functional sponges in diverse environmental remediation.
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