Synthesis of Magnesium Oxide Hierarchical Microspheres: A Dual-Functional Material for Water Remediation

TLDR

High concentrations of heavy metals and microbes in water compromise quality and pose serious health risks, making their removal essential. This study aims to synthesize MgO microspheres with hierarchical morphology and evaluate their dual functionality for arsenic removal and microbial inhibition. MgO microspheres were fabricated via a low‑cost precipitation‑aging‑calcination process, and their synthesis, structure, and performance were systematically investigated to optimize arsenic adsorption and antibacterial activity. Hierarchical MgO microspheres calcined at 500 °C achieved 502 mg g⁻¹ As(III) adsorption and complete bacterial elimination at 700 µg mL⁻¹, demonstrating effective simultaneous removal of arsenic and microbes in a model water system.

Abstract

High concentration of heavy metals and microbes present in water can reduce the quality of water and bring serious side effects to human beings. Their removal from water is of great importance. In this study, MgO microspheres with hierarchical morphology have been synthesized by a facile and low-cost precipitation-aging-calcination method and their dual functionality for effective arsenic removal and microbial inhibition has been investigated for the first time. By systematical investigation on the synthesis, structure and performance relationship, optimized MgO microspheres are prepared with both high arsenic removal capacity and prominent antibacterial activity. Hierarchical MgO microspheres calcined at 500 °C exhibit the best trade-off between As(III) adsorption (502 mg g(-1)) and antibacterial performance (complete elimination at 700 μg mL(-1)). It is also demonstrated that our materials can be used for the simultaneous removal of arsenic and microbes in a model water system. This study offers a convenient and low cost dual-function agent with efficient performance for water treatment.