Development of novel graphene-like layered hexagonal boron nitride for adsorptive removal of antibiotic gatifloxacin from aqueous solution

Graphene-like layered hexagonal boron nitride (g-BN) was prepared and characterized. The performance of using g-BN as an adsorbent for removal of fluoroquinolone antibiotic gatifloxacin (GTF) from aqueous solution was evaluated. g-BN showed an excellent adsorption capability with notable GTF adsorption ratio of more than 90%. Data of equilibrium adsorption of GTF onto g-BN at different temperatures were represented by Langmuir, Freundlich and Tempkin isotherm models, and Langmuir exhibited the best fitting with the maximum adsorption capacity of 88.5 mg·g−1 at 288 K. GTF adsorption was insignificantly affected by solution pH. Competitive role of Na+ and Ca2+ in the solution inhibited the adsorption of GTF and decreased the adsorption capacity a bit. The adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic. The adsorption was probably governed by π–π interaction between GTF and g-BN, and electrostatic interaction may also exist in the adsorption process.