Ru@Co3O4@g-C3N4 as a novel adsorbent for enhanced copper and cadmium abolition

Elimination of heavy metals from contaminated water systems is of prime distress due to their capacity to prompt toxic impact on the flora and fauna. The usage of innovative nano-engineered materials predominantly opens up smart prospects for the treatment of persistent heavy metal adulterated water resources. This study presents an ultrasonic-assisted sol-gel production of Ru@Co₃O₄@g-C₃N₄ nanostructure that was utilized to remove Cu⁺² and Cd⁺² ions from aqueous solutions. The X-ray diffraction investigation revealed the development of RuO₂, Co₂O₃ and g-C₃N₄ phases, and the relevant elemental composition was verified by the photoelectron spectroscopy and EDX. The dispersion of the metal oxides within the nitride sheets was evidenced by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The initial metal ions concentration, pH, and contact time effects were investigated through batch experiments. The adsorption isotherm models matched the Langmuir isotherm well, whereas the kinetics model data perfectly fitted the pseudo-second-order model. The maximum adsorption capacities of Cu⁺² and Cd⁺² ions on the nanocomposite Ru@Co₃O₄@g-C₃N₄ were 696.9 and 564.5 mg/g, respectively. A mechanism based on a viable covalent type of bonding developed by the delocalized -conjugated electrons of the triazine ring and functional groups were efficiently involved in the metal ions anchoring and ultimate elimination. Thus, the suitability of the Ru@Co₃O₄@g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite for eradicating heavy metals, including Cu⁺² and Cd^+2, was established.