The fabrication of spherical hydroxypropyl cellulose/molybdenum disulfide for the efficient removal of europium

The hydroxypropyl cellulose embellished molybdenum disulfide (HPC/MoS₂) was prepared to remove europium (Eu) from the aqueous solution. Introducing hydroxypropyl cellulose into molybdenum disulfide can provide more functional groups and active sites to bind to Eu(III). The SEM images showed a rugged and uneven spherical structure of HPC/MoS₂ with a diameter of 4.5 μm. The high-magnification TEM picture further confirmed a nanolayered structure, showing that the material retained the two-dimensional layered structure of molybdenum disulfide. A new peak appeared in the XRD patterns after adsorption, which was attributed to Eu(III) entering the layers of HPC/MoS₂ by the pore canals. The adsorption of Eu(III) relied on pH, and the adsorption capacity of HPC/MoS₂ for Eu(III) attained 157.2 mg/g at 298 K. The Eu(III) removal mechanisms included Eu(III) entering the layers of HPC/MoS₂, electrostatic attraction, and forming complexes. This study can provide new insight into the design and application of two-dimensional nanomaterials for environmental pollution cleanup.