Surface functional group nanoarchitectonics of TiO2 nanoparticles for enhanced adsorption Ge(IV)

Background: To compose an effective adsorbent for water purification, surface functional groups have a critical role in determining the adsorption achievement of metal oxide particles. Methods: Herein, the organic acid-functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by modifying TiO2 nanoparticles with organic acids contenting different number of hydroxyl groups. The adjustment of the surface hydroxyl functional groups content of functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles significantly affected the Ge(IV) adsorption capacity. Significant findings: Our results indicate successfully that the obtained tartaric acid (dihydroxysuccinic acid) functionalized TiO2 (TA-TiO2-OH) have more hydroxyl functional groups (up to 4.38 mmol center dot g(-1)) and large Ge(IV) adsorption capacity (122.26 mg center dot g(-1)) at pH = 3, which are higher than those of the currently reported adsorbents. More importantly, TA-TiO2-OH also has a remarkable affinity for Ge(IV) at a Ge(IV) metallurgical simulated solution.