Rapid removal of boron from liquid media using wood-based functional materials modified with N-methyl-D-glucosamine

Wood, as a widely available renewable resource, was extensively used in many fields. Utilizing its abundant hydroxyl groups of surface and unique hierarchical pore structure, N -methyl-D-glucosamine (NMDG), a functional monomer with unique chelation properties towards boric acid/borate, was grafted onto its surface after modification, successfully preparing the NMDG-modified wood-based functional material (Wood-NMDG). When this material was applied for boron adsorption in aqueous, research found that both solution pH and boron concentration significantly affected its adsorption performance. Studies on its adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherms and thermodynamics revealed that the material possessed excellent adsorption capacity and rapid adsorption kinetics. After adsorption with salt lake brine, it demonstrated outstanding specificity and selectivity. Dynamic adsorption studies using simulated seawater yielded a breakthrough time of 42 hours. Based on the World Health Organization standard for boron concentration in drinking water, its capacity for treating seawater into drinking water reached 2520 L·kg –1 . However, cycling experiments indicated a certain degree of decrease in the adsorption properties of the material. Nevertheless, considering the abundant availability, low cost, and ease of modification of wood as a raw material, Wood-NMDG held broad application prospects as an efficient removal agent for seawater desalination, drinking water production and irrigation water treatment.