Metallic 1T/1T′ phase TMD nanosheets with enhanced chemisorption sites for ultrahigh-efficiency lead removal

Abstract Two-dimensional (2D) materials, as adsorbents, have garnered great attention in removing heavy metal ions (HMIs) from drinking water due to their extensive exposed adsorption sites. Nevertheless, there remains a paucity of experimental research to remarkably unlock their adsorption capabilities and fully elucidate their adsorption mechanisms. In this work, exceptional lead ion (Pb2+) (a common HMI) removal capacity (up to 758 mg g−1) is achieved using our synthesized metallic 1T/1T′ phase 2D transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD, including MoS2, WS2, TaS2, and TiS2) nanosheets, which hold tremendous activated S chemisorption sites. The residual Pb2+ concentration can be reduced from 2 mg L−1 to 2 μg L−1 within 0.5 min, meeting the drinking water standards following World Health Organization guideline (Pb2+ concentrations