Surface functionalized chalcogenides for highly selective removal of Hg2+

Abstract

In this study, a crystalline material CuPMTT was synthesized via coordination self-assembly strategy. The surfaces of CuPMTT are densely populated with thiol groups that effectively capture Hg²⁺ ions, achieving an adsorption rate nearing 90% and a separation coefficient of 4.51 against Cu²⁺, thus outperforming conventional adsorbents and presenting a significant advancement in environmental protection chemistry.