Melamine/polyaniline-derived carbons with record-high adsorption capacities for effective removal of phenolic compounds from water

Recently, contamination of water resources with phenolic compounds (PCs) is severe. In this study, we firstly prepared nitrogen-enriched porous carbon via pyrolysis of a mixture of melamine and polyaniline. Melamine/polyaniline-derived carbons (MPDCs) were characterized and applied in the adsorption of PCs, like p-nitrophenol (pNP), hydroquinone (HQ) and p-cresol (pC), from water. A selected MPDC700, an MPDC prepared at 700 degrees C, had the highest adsorption capacity for pNP (Q(max): 910 +/- 18 mg/g) and pC, compared with any known material. Based on the adsorption results under wide conditions and characteristics of MPDCs, the plausible adsorption mechanism, such as pi-pi interaction and hydrogen bonding, could be suggested. The best MPDC700 was recyclable for several runs; therefore, can be recommended as a competitive adsorbent to remove PCs from water.