Layered protonated titanate nanosheets synthesized with a simple one-step, low-temperature, urea-modulated method as an effective pollutant adsorbent.

A simple one-step, low-temperature, urea-modulated method is developed for the synthesis of layered protonated titanate nanosheets (LPTNs). Urea serves as an indirect ammonium ion source, and the controlled supply of the ammonium ion slows the crystalline formation process and enables the production of the LPTNs from amorphous intermediate through aging-induced restructuring. The resulting LPTNs exhibit excellent adsorption capacities for methylene blue and Pb(2+) because of their high specific surface areas and excellent ion-exchange capability. Intercalation of Pb(2+) into the interlayer space of the LPTNs is evidenced by the relevant X-ray diffraction patterns on perturbation of the layered structure. The LPTNs prove to be a promising adsorbent in wastewater treatment for adsorption removal of metal ions or cationic organic dyes.