Synthesis of Magnetically Graphitic Mesoporous Carbon from Hard Templates and Its Application in the Adsorption Treatment of Traditional Chinese Medicine Wastewater

Magnetically graphitic mesoporous carbon (Fe/GMC) was synthesized, using SBA-15 as a template and sucrose as a carbon source, with the assistance of ferric nitrate impregnation. The properties of the products were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N₂ adsorption-desorption (BET), and Raman spectroscopy. The impregnation of Fe³⁺ promoted the partial graphitization of ordered mesoporous carbon at low temperature (900°), and resulted in the production of magnetic Fe₃O₄ particles. These complex materials possessed an ordered mesoporous pore structure, large surface area, and magnetic properties. The adsorption properties of Fe/GMC for traditional Chinese medicine wastewater were studied in detail using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The results showed that the Fe/GMC materials displayed rapid adsorption, and had a high adsorption capacity. Fe/GMC could be used as an absorbent for the highly efficient removal of pigments from Carthamus tinctorius flowers via rapid solid-liquid magnetic separation.