Herein, we developed a dual-functional filter for one-step decontamination of highly toxic antimony (Sb) (III). The filter consists of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) particles, both are indispensable. Rapid transformation of highly toxic Sb(III) to less toxic Sb(V) can be achieved without additional energy requirements due to the oxidative capability of the nZVI nanoparticles. Compared to conventional batch system, the proposed flow-through filter demonstrated obviously enhanced Sb(III) removal kinetics and sorption capacity due to convection-based mass transport. Moreover, the limited filter pore size, more exposed sorption sites, as well as a throughflow design also synergistically contribute to the improved Sb(III) removal performance. The nZVI-CNT hybrid filter could work effectively across a wide range of pH. The working mechanism of the nZVI-CNT hybrid filter for Sb(III) oxidation and adsorption was verified by various advanced characterizations and tests. Exhausted nZVI-CNT filters can be regenerated by chemical washing with sodium hydroxide solution. The Sb(III)-spiked tap water experiment was carried out to further verify the stability and practicability of the nZVI-CNT filter system, generated ∼2100 bed volumes of effluent before the removal efficiency of Sb(III) <90%. This study gives new insights for the detoxification and sorption of highly toxic Sb(III) and other similar heavy metal ions through a continuous-flow system.
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