Nanoplates of cobalt phosphonate with two-dimensional structure and its competitive adsorption of Pb(II) and Hg(II) ions from aqueous solutions

Nanoplates of cobalt phosphonate poly-Co3(LH2)2(LH3)2(H2O)4·2H2O (denoted as poly-CoAedp, L = 1-aminoethylidenediphosphononic acid anion) with two-dimensional structure has been successfully synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and applied in the removal of Pb(II) and Hg(II) ions from aqueous solutions. Poly-CoAedp has exhibited a good performance for heavy metal removal, especially for Pb(II). The effects of different experimental parameters on the competitive adsorption capacities were investigated. The research results suggest that the nanoplates of poly-CoAedp have great potential applications in environmental protection, and the good adsorption ability make it a good promising candidate material for lead removal.