3D Cu(OH)2 hierarchical frameworks: Self-assembly, growth, and application for the removal of TSNAs

Abstract

The 3D hierarchical Cu(OH)2 frameworks were successfully prepared via a simple and surfactant-free chemical self-assembled route. The frameworks were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The experimental investigations suggest that certain concentrations of NaOH and K2S2Oare required for the self-assembly and growth of Cu(OH)2. In addition, the orthorhombic crystal structure of Cu(OH)2 may prove to be ideal for the structural development of the final 3D Cu(OH)2 hierarchical frameworks. The nitrogen adsorption and desorption measurements indicate that the Cu(OH)2 frameworks possess a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area of approximately 163.76 m2 g-1. Barrett-Joyner-Halenda measurement of the pore size distribution, as derived from desorption data, presented a distribution centered at 3.05 nm. Additionally, 10 mg of the Cu(OH)2 framework can remove 47% of the N-nitrosonornicotine and 53% of the 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3- pyridyl)-1-butanone in cigarette smoke. These results indicate that the Cu(OH)2 frameworks may be a potential adsorbent for removing tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines (TSNAs) from cigarette smoke. © 2013 Hongwei Hou et al.