Construction and XRD analysis of La@Co₃O₄@g-C₃N₄ nanostructures for removal of Co ions from contaminated water

The current study used La-Co₃O₄@g-C₃N₄ nanostructures (LCoCN) produced by ultrasonic-and sol-gel processes to remove Co (II) ions from aqueous solutions. The successful development of the composite was verified by XRD which revealed both nitride and metal oxides phases. The EDX and XPS study confirmed its elemental composition from the blended precursors. LCoCN nanostructures demonstrated a minute pore volume of 0.72 cm³.g⁻¹ and a specific surface area of 33.677 m²/g. In addition, at a pH of 5.0, LCoCN demonstrated exceptional adsorption efficacy for Co (II). The Langmuir isotherm equilibrium was observed during the adsorption of Co (II), and it is estimated that the theoretical maximal adsorption capacity of Co (II) is 573.6 mg/g. The high precision with which the pseudo-first-order model describes the kinetic constant for Co ion adsorption onto LCoCN nanostructures is highlighted by its excellent fit to the experimental data. Thus, assessment of the adsorption potential of LCoCN in this work presented its satisfactory inherent potential with great adsorption aptitude to eliminate cobalt ions from aqueous solution demonstrating its practical applicability as an adsorbent.