Laterite clay-based geopolymer as a potential adsorbent for the heavy metals removal from aqueous solutions

This study is focused on the investigation of low iron lateritic clay-based geopolymer as a potential adsorbent for the higher uptake of Ni(II) and Co(II) ions from aqueous solutions. BET analysis revealed that the sieved geopolymer sample (SGS) was characterized by 17.441 m²/g of surface area, 0.005 cm³/g of pore volume, and 13.549 Å of pore diameter. SEM investigation confirmed the presence of pores and cavities onto the surface of SGS. XRD analysis showed that the geopolymer is semi-crystalline in nature. It was found that the adsorption ability of SGS remained 520 mg/g for Ni(II) ions and 500 mg/g for Co(II) ions when 0.5 M solutions were stirred with SGS for 60 min. The temperature and pH of the solution were maintained at 60 °C and 7.0, respectively. The adsorption data of both heavy metal (HM) ions fitted best in the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The low activation energy value i.e. 2.507 kJ/mol for Ni(II) ions and 2.286 kJ/mol for Co(II) ions confirmed adsorption is physisorption. Adsorption data were tested with Langmuir and Freundlich models, the data showed comparatively better fitting in the Freundlich model. The greater value of monolayer adsorption capacity (Xm) for Ni(II) ions was found 1.77 × 10⁻² mol/g while for Co(II) ions it remained 1.69 × 10⁻² mol/g confirming the better interaction of metal ions with the adsorbent surface. Negative values of ΔG° confirmed the spontaneity of the process while the positive value of ΔS° showed the randomness of adsorbate particles. The positive value of ΔH° showed that the adsorption process remained endothermic for both HM ions. The experimental results confirmed the ability of laterite clay-based geopolymer for better removal of HM ions and hence can be employed for the wastewater treatment processes at low-cost adsorbent.     

One-pot synthesis of a novel magnetic activated carbon/clay composite for removal of heavy metals from aqueous solution

Abstract

In the present work, a novel composite consisting of magnetite, activated carbon from spent coffee grounds and natural clay (MACCC) was prepared by a one-pot synthesis method via a simultaneous activation and magnetization processes. Various techniques (XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, EDX, BET) were utilized to characterize the synthesized composite before utilizing it as an adsorbent for removal of Cu(II), Ni(II) and Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions. Conditions for removal of heavy metals were thoroughly optimized as 25?°C, pH of 5.5, adsorbent dosage of 2?g L^?1, and a contact time of 60?min. Three models of pseudo first-, second-order and intraparticle diffusion as well as three models of Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin were used to analyze kinetics and isotherms of the adsorption process. Thermodynamics was discussed completely. Regeneration and recyclability of the adsorbent were also evaluated. Based on the analysis of experimental results, a possible adsorption mechanism of heavy metals onto the synthesized composite was proposed. The maximum capacities caculated from Langmuir model followed the order of Pb(II) > Cu(II) > Ni(II) as 143.56, 96.16 and 84.86?mg·g^?1, respectively. The overall results indicated that MACCC is a potential adsorbent for removal of toxic Pb(II), Cu(II) and Ni(II) ions from wastewater due to simple preparation, high removal efficiency and good recyclability.     

Synthesis of calcium alginate nanoparticles for removal of lead ions from aqueous solutions

Calcium alginate nanoparticles (CANPs) were synthesized to remove lead ion [Pb(??)] as pollutant of environment from aqueous solutions. The produced CANPs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), particle size analysis (PSA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Various factors, which affected adsorption efficiency of lead ions by CANPs, such as pH (pH from 1 to 8), initial ions concentration (in the range of 25 to 125 mg L^–1), contact time (varying from 5 to 120 min), and adsorbent dose (50 to 500 mg L^–1), were investigated for determination of optimum experimental conditions. The result of tests showed that the investigated factors had significant effects on adsorption of Pb(??) ions and the maximum adsorption percentage of lead at pH = 6~7, 25 mg L^–1 initial ions concentration, contact time of more than 140 min. and for adsorbent dose at 500 mg L^–1. Also these results demonstrated the effective adsorption of Pb²⁺ ions by synthesized CANPs that occurred due to a high surface area of CANPs and the presence of anionic carboxylate functional groups and allowed effective absorbing and removing Pb(??) ions from aqueous solutions. Thus, these nanoparticles were able to remove over 99% of lead ions from solution.     

Novel salep‐based chelating hydrogel for heavy metal removal from aqueous solutions

A novel optimized chelating hydrogel was synthesized via graft copolymerization of acrylamide and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (as two‐dentate chelating co‐monomer) onto salep (a multicomponent polysaccharide obtained from dried tubers of certain natural terrestrial orchids) using N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide as a crosslinker and ammonium persulfate as an initiator. Reaction parameters (N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide and ammonium persulfate amounts as well as acrylamide/2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate weight ratio) affecting the water absorption of the chelating hydrogel were optimized using a systematic method to achieve a hydrogel with high swelling capacity as possible. Heavy metal ion adsorption capacity of the optimized hydrogel for metal ions [Cu (II), Pb (II), Cd (II), and Cr (III)] were investigated in aqueous media containing different concentrations of these ions (5–50 ppm). The results showed that the hydrogel have great potential for heavy metal removal from aqueous solutions. The hydrogel formation was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and surface morphology study of the hydrogel was performed by scanning electron microscope. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and characterization of PVP/AAc copolymer hydrogel and its applications in the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solution

Chelating poly(vinylpyrrolidone/acrylic acid) (PVP/AAc) copolymer hydrogels were prepared by radiation-induced copolymerization. The effects of preparation parameters such as PVP content in the hydrogel and irradiation dose on the swelling behavior of the hydrogel were studied. The pH dependent swelling was investigated. The thermal stability of the prepared hydrogel and the metal chelated ones was characterized by TGA. The removal of Fe(III), Cu(II), and Mn(II) from aqueous solution by the prepared PVP/AAc chelating hydrogel was examined by batch equilibration technique. The influence of treatment time, pH, and the initial feed concentration on the amount of the metal ions removed was studied. The results show that the removal of the metal ion followed the following order: Fe(III) > Cu(II) > Mn(II). The amounts of the removed metal ions increased with treatment time and pH of the medium. To re-use the hydrogel, the metal ions were stripped by using 2 N HCl.     

Cysteine methyl ester modified glassy carbon spheres for removal of toxic heavy metals from aqueous media

Glassy carbon spherical powder (10-20 microm diameter) modified with cysteine methyl ester is found to be an inexpensive, novel material for the rapid removal of large quantities of toxic heavy metal ions such as Cd(II), Cu(II) and As(III) from aqueous media, with wide ranging potential applications such as third world drinking water filtration or environmental cleanup.     

Polyphenylsulfone/multiwalled carbon nanotubes mixed ultrafiltration membranes: Fabrication,characterization and removal of heavy metals Pb2+, Hg2+, and Cd2+ from aqueous solutions

Polyphenylsulfone/multiwalled carbon nanotubes/polyvinylpyrrolidone/1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone mixed matrix ultrafiltration flat-sheet membranes were fabricated via phase inversion process to inspect the heavy metals separation efficacy from aqueous media. Fabricated membranes cross-sectional morphological changes and the topographical alterations were assessed with Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Particularly, MWCNTs assisted membranes exhibited better permeability ability as well as heavy metal removal enactment than virgin membrane. The dead-end filter unit was engaged in current research to examine the permeability and heavy metal removal competence of membranes. With the continuous enhancement of MWCNTs wt% in a polymer matrix, significant enhancement was observed with pure water flux study, from 41.69 L/m² h to >185 L/m² h as well as with the heavy metals separation study. Added additive MWCNTs can impact the pore sizes in membranes. The heavy metal separation results achieved, the membrane with 0.3 wt% of MWCNTs (PCNT-3) exhibited >98%, >76% and >72% for Pb²⁺, Hg²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions, respectively. Overall, MWCNTs introduced PPSU membranes exposed best outcomes with heavy metals contained wastewater treatment.     

Synthesis and application of a novel magnetic SBA-15 nanosorbent for heavy metal removal from aqueous solutions

Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology - In this work for the first time, magnetic nanoporous SBA-15 functionalized with isatin groups as a magnetic nanosorbent was applied for the simultaneous...     

Synthesis and characterization of magnetic nano-material for removal of Eu3+ ions from aqueous solutions

Ferrite coated apatite magnetic nano-material was synthesized by a co-precipitation method and applied in removal of Eu(III) ions from aqueous solutions. The sample was firstly characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analyses, deferential thermal analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, surface area by nitrogen adsorption and scanning electron microscopy. The results of physicochemical properties indicated that the synthesized magnetic nano-adsorbent had a crystalline structure and possessed a surface area amounted to 85.11 m² g^?1. Further, it was found to have high thermal resistance up to 600 °C and mean particle size of about 63 nm. The kinetic of Eu(III) sorption indicated that equilibrium state was attained within 12 h with using 5 mg as an appropriate nano-adsorbent weight. The sorption process was pH and ionic strength dependent. The maximum adsorbed amount of Eu(III) was attained at pH 2.5 with value reached to 157.14 mg g^?1. Desorption of Eu(III) from loaded samples was studied using various eluents and maximum recovery was obtained using FeCl₃ solution.     

Removal of some heavy metals and fungicides from aqueous solutions using nano-hydroxyapatite,nano-bentonite and nanocomposite

A batch adsorption experiments were carried out to study the role of nanoparticles and nanocomposite on removal of some heavy metals and fungicides from aqueous solution. Nano-Hydroxyapatite (n-HAP), Nano-Bentonite (n-Bo) and Bentonite-hydroxyapatite nanocomposite (B-HAP NC) evaluated for the removal of some heavy metals and fungicides. The nanoparticles and nanocomposite were characterized by TEM, SEM and AFM, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and BET surface area. The batch adsorption was done using nanoparticles with Pb²⁺ and Ni²⁺ as example of heavy metals with concentrations up to 25 mgL⁻¹. Also, the adsorption experiment was conducted using nano-particles (n-HAP, n-Bo and B-HAP NC) with fungicides Stop Feng and Eurozole with concentrations 20 to 200 μg L⁻¹. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm equations were employed to study the adsorption. The adsorption kinetics were conducted metal ion (Pb²⁺ and Ni²⁺) with residence time. The results indicated the maximum adsorption capacity of Ni⁺² was occurred on (n-HAP). While that maximum adsorption capacity of Pb²⁺ was occurred on (B-HAP NC). The rate of Ni⁺² removal was found to be very rapid during the initial 60 min. The adsorption of Pb⁺² by the n-HAP and (B-HAP NC) was a slow increase with time, it did not bring any remarkable effect. Also, the efficiency of adsorbent compounds used to remove the residue of fungicides Stop Feng and Eurozole shown the highest removal rates obtained with used nano-hydroxyapatite followed by bentonite-hydroxyapatitenanocomposite and nano-bentonite, respectively. The current results are very useful in the treatment of wastewater and the removal of heavy metals and fungicides, consequently making them suitable for agricultural purposes.     

Synthesis and characterization of radiation grafted films for removal of arsenic and some heavy metals from contaminated water

Grafting of styrene/maleic anhydride and methyl methacrylate/maleic anhydride binary monomers onto the low density polyethylene film was performed using the γ-ray irradiation technique. Then, the synthesized grafted films were treated with different ammonia derivatives for developing chelating functionalization. These chelating products were characterized by the gravimetric method as well as by the Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopic method, and were used for removal of arsenic and some heavy metals from aqueous solutions. The optimum absorbed dose of 30 kGy reveals the graft yielding of about 325% in the films. Uptake of arsenic and some heavy-metal ions (Cr(III), Mn(II), Fe(III), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Pb(II)) from contaminated water by the chelating functionalized films (CFF) was examined by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The maximum arsenic removal capacity of 5062 mg/kg has been observed for the film treated with hydroxylamine hydrochloride. The CFF prepared by semicarbazide and thiol analogs show affinity toward the metal ions with an order: Cu(II)>Fe(III)>Mn(II) etc. The results obtained from this study indicate that the functionalized films show good chelating and ion-exchange property for metal ions.     

Electrochemiluminescence determination of heavy metals in aqueous solutions using a wall-jet detector

The use of a wall-jet detector for determining heavy metals by their intrinsic electrochemiluminescence at an aluminum electrode is described. The possibility of rapidly determining tin, lead, mercury, and thallium with detection limits from 1 μg/L for Pb(II) to 5 ng/L for Hg(II) by the intensity of luminescence that appears during cathodic pulses is demonstrated.     

Solvent extraction of some metals from aqueous solutions

The results for the extractions of divalent (manganese, cobalt, zinc and cadmium) and trivalent (gallium and indium) metals and hexavalent uranium from aqueous solutions by various extractants such as organophosphorus compounds (tributyl phosphate, trioctylphosphine oxide, di-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid and 2-ethylhexyl 2-ethylhexylphosphonic acid), sulfur-containing compound (dihexyl sulfoxide), high-molecular weight amines (trioctylamine and trioctylmethylammonium chloride) and 7-alkylated hydroxyquinoline (7-(5,5,7,7-tetramethyl-1-octen-3-yl)-8-hydroxyquinoline are discussed in the viewpoint of separation chemistry.     

Hydrothermal synthesis of magnetic CoFe2O4 nanoparticles and CoFe2O4/MWCNTs nanocomposites for U and Pb removal from aqueous solutions

Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry - Magnetite CoFe2O4 nanoparticle and CoFe2O4/MWCNT nanocomposite adsorbents with high specific surface area, high adsorption capacity, and easily...     

Metallothionein-cross-linked hydrogels for the selective removal of heavy metals from water

The diverse functional repertoire of proteins promises to yield new materials with unprecedented capabilities, so long as versatile chemical methods are available to integrate biomolecules with synthetic components. As a demonstration of this potential, we have used site-selective strategies to cross-link polymer chains using the N- and C-termini of a metallothionein derived from a pea plant. This arrangement directly relates the swelling volume of the polymer to the folded state of the protein. The material retains the protein's ability to remove heavy metal ions from contaminated water samples, and can be regenerated through the subsequent addition of inexpensive chelators. The change in hydrogel volume that occurs as metal ions are bound allows the detection of contaminants through simple visual inspection. The utility of this bulk property change is demonstrated in the construction of a low-cost device that can report heavy metal contamination with no external power requirements. Most importantly, the generality of the protein modification chemistry allows the immediate generation of new hybrid materials from a wide range of protein sequences.     

Chemical precipitation of sulfur nanoparticles from aqueous solutions

Process of formation and coarsening of sulfur nanoparticles deposited from aqueous solutions of calcium and sodium polysulfides and sodium thiosulfate and from solutions of elementary sulfur in a mixture of hydrazine hydrate and monoethanolamine was considered. The sulfur nanoparticles were characterized with a laser analyzer of particle sizes, X-ray diffraction analysis, and electron probe microscopy. It was shown that the sizes of primary particles strongly depend on the concentration of an acid and on the molar ratio between the sulfur-containing solutions and the acid. The antifungal effects of sulfur with nano- and micrometer dimensions were compared. The experimental results demonstrated a strong antifungal effect of sulfur nanoparticles on various kinds of fungi.     

One-step synthesis of an environment-friendly cyclodextrin-based nanosponge and its applications for the removal of dyestuff from aqueous solutions

Research on Chemical Intermediates - Cyclodextrin-based nanosponges (CDNS) are a novel kind of polymers belonged to cross-linked derivatives of cyclodextrins, and they are safe, biodegradable...