Advanced Carbon-based and Colloidal Materials for Metal Ion Separation

The advancement of metal ion separation technology is pivotal across various sectors, notably in resource recovery, wastewater treatment, and materials science. This technology is instrumental in addressing challenges such as seawater desalination, lithium extraction from salt lakes, and the treatment of electroplating wastewater. In seawater desalination, effective separation of salt ions is crucial for alleviating global water resource shortages. During lithium extraction, efficient separation and extraction techniques are key to the sustainable development of new energy sources. Additionally, in the context of electroplating wastewater treatment, metal ion exchange resins can proficiently remove heavy metal ions such as copper, lead, and zinc. This process not only mitigates environmental pollution but also facilitates zero wastewater discharge and enhances economic returns.

Furthermore, efficient metal ion separation technologies are vital for the recovery of valuable metals from mixed metal resources, such as electronic waste. This promotes resource recycling and reduces the reliance on raw materials.

This Research Topic is dedicated to exploring advanced carbon-based and colloidal materials for metal ion separation. The focus is on novel materials that enhance the enrichment and separation of various metal ions, including salt ions, heavy metals, rare metals, and critical metals. We aim to develop innovative methods and mechanisms for the ultra-efficient enrichment and selective separation of these metal elements. This will contribute to establishing a robust technical system and scientific foundation for metal ion separation.

Key Areas of Focus:

• Preparation, characterization, analysis, and modeling of advanced carbon-based materials and colloidal materials.

• Removal and selective separation of metal ions from natural water, wastewater, and other solutions using carbon-based and colloidal materials.

• Investigation of innovative methods for the effective separation and enrichment of salt ions, heavy metals, rare metals, and critical metals using these materials.

We invite contributions that address any of these areas, focusing specifically on carbon-based and colloidal materials to advance the field of metal ion separation through cutting-edge research and innovative material development.

Keywords: Carbon-based materials, nanomaterials, biological materials, porous materials, separation, adsorption, interface, theoretical calculation, salt ions, heavy metal ions, rare metal ions, critical metal ions

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.