Enhanced adsorption of arsenate on the aminated fibers: sorption behavior and uptake mechanism

Sorption-oxidation mechanism for the removal of arsenic (III) using Cu-doped ZnO in an alkaline medium

1-D oxides Zn1-xCuxO and spherical composites Zn1-xCuxO/CuO were obtained by thermolysis of formate-glycolate complexes Zn1-xCux (HCOO)(OCH2CH2O)1/2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15). The structural and property characteristics showed that Cu was introduced into the Zn site of the ZnO lattice to form the Zn0.95Cu0.05O solid solution. The concentration of copper in the precursors regulates the topological and structural features of the formation of Zn1-xCuxO oxides, which determine their sorption and photocatalytic properties. The materials were tested in As3+ photooxidation reaction under UV and visible radiation. It has been established that Cu+ is an effective dopant in the composition of 1-D oxide Zn1-xCuxO (0 ≤ x < 0.1). The presence of Cu2+ in the shell of Zn1-xCuxO/CuO composite reduces the photoactivity of the material. The maximum efficiency of arsenic extraction (up to 80% for Zn0.95Cu0.05O) was achieved from dilute arsenic-containing solutions (3.8 mg/L As) and an adsorbent concentration of 0.8 g/L for 24 h. In saturated solutions (380 mg/L As) this value is reduced by a factor of 100. According to XPS data, the primary process is As3+ sorption on the catalyst surface followed by its oxidation to As5+. Using the EPR method it was found that singly charged oxygen vacanciesV O + $$ {V}_O^{+} $$ associated with Cu in Zn1-xCuxO are directly involved in the photostimulated oxidation of As3+. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Two types of Zn1-x Cux O photocatalysts were obtained by thermolysis of the Zn1-x Сux (HCOO)(OCH2 CH2 O)1/2 complex (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15) in air. Sorption of arsenic from dilute solutions reaches 80% on 1-D oxide Zn0.95 Cu0.05 O. Sorption of As3+ on the catalyst surface is at primary process followed by its oxidation to As5+ . Removal of As3+ from alkaline solutions occurs due to successful combination of sorption and photocatalytic properties of the 1-D oxides Zn1-x Cux O.

Extracellular polymeric substances and mineral interfacial reactions control the simultaneous immobilization and reduction of arsenic (As(V))

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) play a crucial role in controlling the mobility and bioavailability of heavy metal(loid)s in water, soils, and sediments. The formation of EPS-mineral complex changes the reactivity of the end-member materials. However, little is known about the adsorption and redox mechanisms of arsenate (As(V)) in EPS and EPS-mineral complexes. Here we examined the reaction sites, valence state, thermodynamic parameters and distribution of As in the complexes using potentiometric titration, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), FTIR, XPS, and SEM-EDS. The results showed that ∼54% of As(V) was reduced to As(III) by EPS, potentially driven by an enthalpy change (ΔH) of - 24.95 kJ/mol. The EPS coating on minerals clearly affected the reactivity to As(V). The strong masking of functional sites between EPS and goethite inhibited both the adsorption and reduction of As. In contrast, the weak binding of EPS onto montmorillonite retained more reactive sites for the reaction with As. Meanwhile, montmorillonite facilitated the immobilization of As to EPS through the formation of As-organic bounds. Our findings deepen the understanding of EPS-mineral interfacial reactions in controlling the redox and mobility of As, and the knowledge is important for predicting the behavior of As in natural environments.

Anchoring Cu-N active sites on functionalized polyacrylonitrile fibers for highly selective H2S/CO2 separation

As an essential part of clean energy, natural gas is often mixed with varying degrees of H₂S and CO₂, which poses a serious environmental hazard and reduces the fuel's calorific value. However, technology for selective H₂S removal from CO₂-containing gas streams is still not fully established. Herein, we synthesized functional polyacrylonitrile fibers with Cu-N coordination structure (PANF_EDA-Cu) by an amination-ligand reaction. The results showed that PANF_EDA-Cu exhibited a remarkable adsorption capacity (143 mg/g) for H₂S at ambient temperature, even in the presence of water vapor, and showed a good separation of H₂S/CO₂. X-ray absorption spectroscopy results confirmed the Cu-N active sites in as-prepared PANF_EDA-Cu and the formed S-Cu-N coordination structures after H₂S adsorption. The active Cu-N sites on the fiber surface and the strong interaction between highly reactive Cu atoms and S are the main reasons for the selective removal of H₂S. Additionally, a possible mechanism for the selective adsorption/removal of H₂S is proposed based on experimental and characterization results. This work will pave the way for the design of highly efficient and low-cost materials for gas separation.

Application of infrared spectroscopy and its theoretical simulation to arsenic adsorption processes

Accurate detection and analysis of arsenic pollutants are an important means to enhance the ability to manage arsenic pollution. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy technology has the advantages of fast analysis speed, high resolution, and high sensitivity and can be monitored by real-time in situ analysis. This paper reviews the application of IR spectroscopy in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of inorganic and organic arsenic acid adsorbed by major minerals such as ferrihydrite (FH), hematite, goethite, and titanium dioxide. The IR spectroscopy technique cannot only identify different arsenic contaminants but also obtain the content and adsorption rate of arsenic contaminants in the solid phase. The reaction equilibrium constants and the degree of reaction conversion can be determined by constructing adsorption isotherms or combining them with modeling techniques. Theoretical calculations of IR spectra of mineral adsorbed arsenic pollutant systems based on density functional theory (DFT) and analysis and comparison of the measured and theoretically calculated characteristic peaks of IR spectra can reveal the microscopic mechanism and surface chemical morphology of the arsenic adsorption process. This paper systematically summarizes the qualitative and quantitative studies and theoretical calculations of IR spectroscopy in inorganic and organic arsenic pollutant adsorption systems, which provides new insights for accurate detection and analysis of arsenic pollutants and arsenic pollution control. PRACTITIONER POINTS: This paper reviews the application of infrared spectroscopy in the qualitative and quantitative analyses of inorganic and organic arsenic acid adsorbed by major minerals such as ferrihydrite, hematite, goethite, and titanium dioxide, which can help identify and evaluate the type and concentration of arsenic pollutants in water bodies. In this paper, theoretical calculations of infrared spectra of mineral adsorbed arsenic pollutant systems based on density functional theory reveal the adsorption mechanism of arsenic pollutants in water at the solid-liquid interface and help to develop targeted arsenic pollution control technologies. This paper provides a new and reliable analytical detection technique for the study of arsenic contaminants in water bodies.

Polyacrylonitrile support impregnated with amine-functionalized graphitic carbon nitride/magnetite composite nanofibers towards enhanced arsenic remediation: A mechanistic approach

Recently, novel composite materials are rapidly being explored for water treatment applications. However, their physicochemical behavior and mechanistic investigations are still a mystery. Therefore, our key prospect is to develop a highly stable mixed-matrix adsorbent system using polyacrylonitrile (PAN) support impregnated with amine-functionalized graphitic carbon nitride/magnetite (gCN-NH₂/Fe₃O₄) composite nanofibers (PAN/gCN-NH₂/Fe₃O₄: PCNFe) by simple electrospinning techniques. Various instrumental techniques were used to explore the structural, physicochemical, and mechanical behavior of the synthesized nanofiber. The developed PCNFe with a specific surface area of 39.0 m²/g was found to be non-aggregated and to have outstanding water dispersibility, abundant surface functionality, greater hydrophilicity, superior magnetic property, and higher thermal & mechanical characteristics making it favorable for rapid As removal. Based on the experimental findings from the batch study, 97.0 and 99.0 % of arsenite (As(III)) and arsenate (As(V)), respectively, could be adsorbed by utilizing0.02 g of adsorbent dosage within 60 min of contact time at pH 7 and 4, with an initial concentration of 10 mg/L. Adsorption of As(III) and As(V) followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models with an sorption capacities of 32.26 and 33.22 mg/g, respectively, at ambient temperature. The adsorption was endothermic and spontaneous, in accordance with the thermodynamic study. Furthermore, the addition of co-anions in a competitive environment did not affect As adsorption except for PO₄^3-. Moreover, PCNFe preserves its adsorption efficiency above 80 % after five regeneration cycles. The combined results of FTIR and XPS after adsorption further support the adsorption mechanism. Also, the composite nanostructures retain their morphological and structural integrity after the adsorption process. The facile synthesis protocol, high As adsorption capacity, and enhanced mechanical integrity of PCNFe foreshadow its huge prospects for real wastewater treatment.

Biochar Adsorbents for Arsenic Removal from Water Environment: A Review

Arsenic intake can cause human health disorders to the lungs, urinary tract, kidney, liver, hyper-pigmentation, muscles, neurological and even cancer. Biochar is potent, economical and ecologically sound adsorbents for water purification. After surface modifications, adsorption capacity of biochar significantly increased due to high porosity and reactivity. Adsorption capacities of the biochar derived from the municipal solid waste and KOH mixed municipal solid waste were increased from 24.49 and 30.98 mg/g for arsenic adsorption. Complex formation, electrostatic behavior and ion exchange are important mechanisms for arsenic adsorption. Organic arsenic removal using biochar is a major challenge. Hence, more innovative research should be conducted to achieve one of the 17 sustainable development goals of the United Nations i.e. "providing safe drinking water for all". This review is focused on the arsenic removal from water using pristine and modified biochar adsorbents. Recent advances in production methods of biochar adsorbents and mechanisms of arsenic removal from water are also illustrated.

Elucidating the redox-driven dynamic interactions between arsenic and iron-impregnated biochar in a paddy soil using geochemical and spectroscopic techniques

Iron (Fe)-modified biochar, a renewable amendment that synthetizes the functions of biochar and Fe materials, demonstrates a potential to remediate arsenic (As)-contaminated soils. However, the effectiveness of Fe-based biochar to immobilize As in paddy soils under varying redox conditions (Eh) has not been quantified. We tested the capability of the raw (RBC) and Fe-impregnated (FeBC) biochars to immobilize As in a paddy soil under various Eh conditions (from -400 to +300 mV) using a biogeochemical microcosm system. In the control, As was mobilized (686.2-1535.8 μg L^-1) under reducing conditions and immobilized (61.6-71.1 μg L^-1) under oxidizing conditions. Application of FeBC immobilized As at Eh < 0 mV by 32.6%-81.1%, compared to the control, because of the transformation of As-bound Fe (hydro)oxides (e.g., ferrihydrite) and the formation of complexes (e.g., ternary As-Fe-DOC). Application of RBC immobilized As at Eh < -100 mV by 16.0%-41.3%, compared to the control, due to its porous structure and oxygen-containing functional groups. Mobilized As at Eh > +200 mV was caused by the increase of pH after RBC application. Amendment of the Fe-modified biochar can be a suitable approach for alleviating the environmental risk of As under reducing conditions in paddy soils.

Immobilization of Pt nanoparticles on hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile-based nanofiber paper

The electrochemical activity of catalysts strongly depends on the uniform distribution of monodisperse Pt nanoparticles without aggregates. Here, we propose a new hydrolysis-assisted smearing method for Pt loading on a free-standing paper-type electrode. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based nanofiber paper was used as the electrode, and it acted as a Pt support. Hydrolysis of the electrode tripled the number of active nucleation sites for Pt adsorption on the PAN nanofibers, thereby significantly enhancing the wettability of the nanofibers. This facilitated the uniform distribution of Pt nanoparticles without aggregate formation up to 40 wt% (about 0.8 mg/cm²) with a particle size of about 3 nm. The catalytic current of the hydrolyzed Pt electrode in CH₃OH/H₂SO₄ solution exceeded 213 mA/cm² Pt mg, which was considerably greater than the current was 148 mA/cm² Pt mg for an unhydrolyzed electrode.

Titanium carbide/zeolite imidazole framework-8/polylactic acid electrospun membrane for near-infrared regulated photothermal/photodynamic therapy of drug-resistant bacterial infections

Bacteria induced wound infection has become fatal healthcare issues needed to be resolved urgently. It is of vital importance to develop multifunctional therapeutic platforms to fight against increased bacterial antibiotic resistance. Herein, a titanium carbide (MXene)/zeolite imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8)/polylactic acid (PLA) composite membrane (MZ-8/PLA) was fabricated through in-situ growth of ZIF-8 on MXene and the subsequent electrospinning process. It indicated MZ-8 can generate singlet oxygen and hyperthermia at photothermal (PTT) convention efficiency of 80.5% with bactericidal rate of more than 99.0%. In addition, MZ-8 showed remarkable antitumor efficiency in vitro and in vivo based on the combined photodynamic/photothermal therapy. Theoretical calculation illustrated MZ-8 could improve the laser activation process by acceleration of intermolecular charge transfer, reducing excitation energy, stabilizing excited states and increasing intersystem crossing rate. After incorporated into electrospun scaffolds, MZ-8/PLA exhibited potent PTT and photodynamic therapy (PDT) properties under 808 nm laser irradiation. The antibacterial rates of MZ-8/PLA were up to 99.9% and 99.8% against Escherichia coli and Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, respectively. In-vivo experimental results further confirmed that MZ-8/PLA can accelerate bacteria infected wound healing without observable resistance. This work opens a new avenue to design promising platforms for fighting against extremely drug resistant bacterial infection.

Influence of dissolved organic matter components on arsenate adsorption/desorption by TiO2

The influences of different dissolved organic matter (DOM) components and ionic matters on As(V) adsorption/desorption behavior on the TiO₂ surface were investigated. The results demonstrated that the characteristics and involving order of DOM significantly affected the As(V) adsorption/desorption behavior. The presence of DOM decreased the As(V) adsorption quantity. Fulvic acid (FA) exhibited the most negative effect, and followed by the order of alginate ≈ BSA > SDBS. The precomplexation DOM prevented more As(V) adsorption. While, the presence of DOM caused more As(V) release when the surrounding changed and FA exhibited the strongest effect. The results indicated that the site competition and electrostatic repulsion were the major mechanisms to resist As(V) adsorption. The presence of Fe³⁺ and Ca²⁺ increased As(V) adsorption by bridge effect, while PO₄^3- and CO₃^2- decreased As(V) adsorption owing to the competition.

Core/shell hybrid fiber with aminated PAN and Fe2O3 as a high-capacity adsorbent for phosphate ions

APANF@Fe₂O₃, a phosphate adsorbent, was synthesized in two steps: the immobilization of an amine group onto polyacrylonitrile fiber (PANF) and the adsorption of an iron ion on aminated PANF (APANF). The amination degree of the PANF was adjusted considering its mechanical properties. The Fe₂O₃ on the surface of the APANF played a role as a phosphate-grasping layer via a ligand-exchange reaction. The APANF@Fe₂O₃ showed a considerable PO₄^3- adsorption amount of ca. 6 mmol/g at a low pH region (ca. 2-7) and 3 mmol/g at a high pH region (ca. 8-12). The adsorption data were interpreted with various kinetic and isotherm models. The Langmuir model was more suitable than the Freundlich and Redlich-Peterson models to fit the experimental data of the phosphate adsorption on the APANF@Fe₂O₃ and the pseudo-second-order model was better matched than the pseudo-first-order and Elovich's models. The results of this study demonstrate that the surface of the fibrous adsorbent was homogenous and the phosphate adsorption behavior of the APANF@Fe₂O₃ followed a simultaneous chemisorption process into the Fe₂O₃ layer.

Novel cotton fabric adsorbent for efficient As(V) adsorption

A novel amine functionalized nonwoven cotton fabric (EDA-GMA-g-NCF) adsorbent material for As(V) adsorption was prepared by using plasma-initiated graft polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto nonwoven cotton fabric (NCF) and then its modification with ethylenediamine (EDA). The resultant nonwoven cotton fabric adsorbent was examined by using FT-IR, SEM, and XPS techniques. As(V) adsorption experiments were performed in batch mode as a function of pH, contact time, initial concentration, coexisting ions, ionic strength, and tap water applications. Ethylenediamine carrying nonwoven cotton fabric-based functional adsorbent showed efficient, rapid As(V) removal with high adsorption capacity. The experimental data shows that adsorption mechanism fits to the Langmuir isotherm, and adsorption kinetic follows a pseudo-second-order model. Between pH 2-8 range, nonwoven cotton fabric adsorbent is effective at pH 3 for As(V) adsorption. The maximum adsorption capacity of the nonwoven cotton fabric for As(V) was 217.39 mg/g. The adsorbent could be easily regenerated at least ten cycles with 3% HNO₃ solution. EDA-GMA-g-NCF was also efficient for tap water applications with high percent As(V) removal. Thermodynamic parameters show that the As(V) adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic. Graphical abstract Preparation of cotton fabric adsorbent and As(V) treatment process.

Inorganic arsenic speciation in water samples by miniaturized solid phase microextraction using a new polystyrene polydimethyl siloxane polymer in micropipette tip of syringe system

The polymer, polystyrene polydimethyl siloxane was loaded into the micropipette tip of the syringe system as an adsorbent to developed miniaturized solid phase microextraction. Standard solutions of arsenate and arsenite were passed through the adsorbent loaded in micropipette tip to check the adsorption behaviors. It was observed that arsenate adsorbed on the polystyrene polydimethyl siloxane in the pH rang of 6-8, while arsenite was directly passed through the micropipette tip of syringe system. The adsorbed arsenate in micropipette tip of syringe system were eluted by 1.0M hydrochloric acid. The total inorganic arsenic contents were obtained by the addition of oxidizing agent potassium permanganate into the studied samples before passing to the micropipette tip of syringe system. Arsenite concentration in water samples were measured by subtracting arsenate from total inorganic arsenic concentration. Different characteristics which effect the determination of arsenate specie like amount of adsorbent, adsorption capacity, pH, pulled and pushed cycles for adsorption and desorption, volume of sample, eluent type and it volume were also studied in detail. Enrichment factor and detection limit of arsenate by desired method were 218 and 6.9ngL^-1 respectively. The relative standard deviation was 4.1% (n=10, C=0.12µgL^-1). Accuracy of the desired technique was confirmed by analysis of the CRMs (Lake Ontario Water TM-28.3 and Riverine Water NRCC-SLRS-4). Desired technique was significantly useful for determination of the total arsenic, arsenate, and arsenite contents in different natural water samples.

Surface decoration of amine-rich carbon nitride with iron nanoparticles for arsenite (As(III)) uptake: The evolution of the Fe-phases under ambient conditions

A novel hybrid material (gC3N4-rFe) consisting of amine-rich graphitic carbon nitride (gC3N4), decorated with reduced iron nanoparticles (rFe) is presented. XRD and TEM show that gC3N4-rFe bears aggregation-free Fe-nanoparticles (10nm) uniformly dispersed over the gC3N4 surface. In contrast, non-supported iron nanoparticles are strongly aggregated, with non-uniform size distribution (20-100nm). (57)Fe-Mössbauer spectroscopy, dual-mode electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and magnetization measurements, allow a detailed mapping of the evolution of the Fe-phases after exposure to ambient O2. The as-prepared gC3N4-rFe bears Fe(2+) and Fe° phases, however only after long exposure to ambient O2, a Fe-oxide layer is formed around the Fe° core. In this [Fe°/Fe-oxide] core-shell configuration, the gC3N4-rFe hybrid shows enhanced As(III) uptake capacity of 76.5mgg(-1), i.e., ca 90% higher than the unmodified carbonaceous support, and 300% higher than the non-supported Fe-nanoparticles. gC3N4-rFe is a superior As(III) sorbent i.e., compared to its single counterparts or vs. graphite/graphite oxide or activated carbon analogues (11-36mgg(-1)). The present results demonstrate that the gC3N4 matrix is not simply a net that holds the particles, but rather an active component that determines particle formation dynamics and ultimately their redox profile, size and surface dispersion homogeneity.

Aerosol-Assisted Self-Assembly of Reticulated N-Doped Carbonaceous Submicron Spheres for Effective Removal of Hexavalent Chromium

This Research Article described a facile one-step method to prepare reticulated N-doped carbonaceous submicron spheres. Through a simple aerosol-assisted technology, glucosamine sulfate used as a carbon source was aerosolized and carbonized to functionalized carbonaceous submicron spheres. The electrostatic attraction between protonated amino groups and sulfate in the aerosol droplets induced a self-assembly and led to the formation of reticular structure, avoiding the use of templates. Compared to bare carbonaceous materials produced from glucose, reticulated N-doped carbonaceous spheres exhibit higher efficiency in the removal of Cr(VI), where the doping of element nitrogen led to electrostatic attraction between protonated nitrogen and chromium ions, and reticulated structure created relatively higher surface area and pore volume, facilitating materials to contact with Cr(VI) ions. XPS characterization proved these novel N-doped carbonaceous materials could effectively transform Cr(VI) to less toxic Cr(III) because of the surface reducing groups. For the practical application, several factors including the initial pH, materials dosage and recycle numbers on the removal performance were studied.

Low-cost nanoparticles sorbent from modified rice husk and a copolymer for efficient removal of Pb(II) and crystal violet from water

In this work, preparation of adsorbent nanoparticles based on treated low-value agricultural by-product rice husk (TARH), and poly(methylmethacrylate-co-maleic anhydride), poly(MMA-co-MA), is reported for the removal of Pb(II) ion and Crystal violet dye from water. The prepared adsorbent was characterized by FT-IR, SEM, AFM, DLS, BET and Zeta potential. The metal ion adsorption capability was determined for rice husk (RH), TARH, crosslinked poly(MMA-co-MA) (CNR), and CNR@TARH nanoparticles. Different factors affecting the adsorption of Pb(II) such as pH, contact time, initial metal ion concentration and also temperature were studied to investigate adsorption isotherms, kinetics and thermodynamics. For the four tested adsorption isotherm models, the equilibrium sorption data for CNR@TARH nanoparticles obeyed the Langmuir isotherm equation with maximum sorption capacity of 93.45 mg g(-1). The kinetic adsorption data fitted best the Lagergren pseudo-second order model. Regeneration of adsorbent was easily performed by adsorption/desorption experiments followed for 4 cycles. Finally, the ability of the nanoparticles to remove Crystal violet dye from aqueous solution was also investigated by varying the initial dye concentration, pH and immersion time and the adsorption mechanism followed the second-order kinetic model.

The removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater/aqueous solution using polypyrrole-based adsorbents: a review

Water pollution caused by heavy metal ions is becoming a serious threat to human and aquatic lives day by day.

Fluctuation of dissolved heavy metal concentrations in the leachate from anaerobic digestion of municipal solid waste in commercial scale landfill bioreactors: The effect of pH and associated mechanisms

Heavy metals present in landfill leachate have infrequently been related to complete anaerobic degradation municipal solid waste (MSW) due to discrete ages of deposited MSW layers and leachate channelling in landfills. In this study, anaerobic digestion of MSW was performed in two enclosed 1000 tonne bioreactors using a unique flood and drain process. Leachates were characterised in terms of pH, soluble chemical oxygen demand, volatile fatty acids (VFAs), ammonium nitrogen and heavy metals over the entire course of digestion. All parameters, including pH, fluctuated during acidogenesis, acetogenesis and methanogenesis, which strongly impacted on the dynamics of dissolved heavy metal concentrations. The simulation of dissolution and precipitation processes indicated that metal sulphide precipitation was not a factor as metal concentrations exceeded solubility limits. The correlation of pH and dissolved heavy metal concentrations indicated that other, mechanisms were involved in the homogenised conditions within the bioreactors. Beside dissolution and precipitation, the main processes most likely involved in metal distributions were adsorption (Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb and Cd), complexation (Cr) or combinations of both process (As and Co).

High recovery of lead ions from aminated polyacrylonitrile nanofibrous affinity membranes with micro/nano structure

In this paper, highly porous polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibrous membranes were successfully fabricated by wet-electrospinning technique from PAN and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) blended solution using hot water bath as extractor, and then aminated with diethylene triamine (DETA). The obtained aminated PAN (APAN) nanofibrous mats showed unique micro/nano structures and possessed extra high extraction capability for the removal of lead ions (Pb(2+)) from aqueous solution (maximum uptake capacity of Pb(2+) was up to 1520.0mg/g), and could maintain over 90% of its extraction capacity at the sixth cycle of extraction-dissociation. Interestingly, the hexagonal crystals of basic lead(II) carbonate (Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2) grown on micro/nano structured APAN nanofibers were observed when APAN membrane was immersed in Pb(II) ions aqueous solution. The results provided new insights for the removal of metal ions by metal crystal growth from wastewater with high recovery.

Enhanced defluoridation and facile separation of magnetic nano-hydroxyapatite/alginate composite

In this research study, a new magnetic biosorbent was developed by the fabrication of magnetic Fe3O4 particles on nano-hydroxyapatite(n-HAp)/alginate (Alg) composite (Fe3O4@n-HApAlg composite) for defluoridation in batch mode. The synthesized Fe3O4@n-HApAlg biocomposite possess an enhanced defluoridation capacity (DC) of 4050 mgF(-)/kg when compare to n-HApAlg composite, Fe3O4@n-HAp composite, n-HAp and Fe3O4 which possesses the DCs of 3870, 2469, 1296 and 1050 mgF(-)/kg respectively. The structural changes of the sorbent, before and after fluoride sorption were studied using FTIR, XRD and SEM with EDAX techniques. There are various physico-chemical parameters such as contact time, pH, co-existing anions, initial fluoride concentration and temperature were optimized for maximum fluoride removal. The equilibrium data was well modeled by Freundlich, Langmuir, Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) and Temkin isotherms. The present system follows Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm model. The thermodynamic parameters reveals that the feasibility, spontaneity and endothermic nature of fluoride sorption. The performance and efficiency of the adsorbent material was examined with water samples collected from fluoride endemic areas namely Reddiyarchatram and Ammapatti in Dindigul District of Tamil Nadu using standard protocols.

New gel-like polymers as selective weak-base anion exchangers

A group of new anion exchangers, based on polyamine podands and of excellent ion-binding capacity, were synthesized. The materials were obtained in reactions between various poly(ethyleneamines) with glycidyl derivatives of cyclotetrasiloxane. The final polymeric, strongly cross-linked materials form gel-like solids. Their structures and interactions with anions adsorbed were studied by spectroscopic methods (CP-MAS NMR, FR-IR, UV-Vis). The sorption isotherms and kinetic parameters were determined for 29 anions. Materials studied show high ion capacity and selectivity towards some important anions, e.g., selenate(VI) or perrhenate.

Structural modification of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene waste as an efficient nanoadsorbent for removal of metal ions from water: isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic study

An environmentally benign approach for the structural modification of ABS waste and its use for the removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions have been described using isotherm, kinetics and thermodynamic studies.

Mesoporous silica-giant particle with slit pore arrangement as an adsorbent for heavy metal oxyanions from aqueous medium

A newly synthesized giant mesoporous silica particle has been used for arsenate and chromate adsorption studies.

Mesoporous (organo) silica decorated with magnetic nanoparticles as a reusable nanoadsorbent for arsenic removal from water samples

Over the last decade, numerous removal methods using solid-supported magnetic nanocomposites have been employed in order to remove arsenic from aqueous solution. In this report, removal of arsenic from aqueous solution by an organo silica, namely, magnetic mobile crystalline material-41 (MCM-41) functionalized by chlorosulphonic acid (MMCM-41-SO3H), was investigated using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The synthesized magnetic mesoporous materials have satisfactory As (V) adsorption capacity. Linearity for arsenic was observed in the concentration range of 5-100 ppb. In addition, the coefficient of determination (R2) was more than 0.999 and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.061 ppb. Considering these results, MMCM-41-SO3H has a great potential for the removal of As (V) contaminants and potentially for the application in large-scale wastewater treatment plants.

Micro-nano structure nanofibrous p-sulfonatocalix[8]arene complex membranes for highly efficient and selective adsorption of lanthanum(iii) ions in aqueous solution

In this study, micro-nano structured p-sulfonatocalix[8]arene (calix8) complex membranes for high efficient selective adsorption of La(iii) ions were prepared via a facile route.

Preparation and Characterization of Homopolymer Polyacrylonitrile-Based Fibrous Sorbents for Arsenic Removal

This research investigated the modification of homopolymer polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers for use as an adsorbent for removing arsenic from drinking water. Fibers were chemically modified and cross-linked using combinations of hydrazine hydrate and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) before being loaded with ferric hydroxide using two different iron loading procedures. Effects of reagent concentrations and reaction times on degree of chemical modification and fiber properties were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and ion-exchange measurements. Arsenate adsorption was a function of both the iron loading and the properties of the underlying fiber. For fibers treated with only a single reagent, both Fe³⁺ and arsenate adsorption could be understood in terms of ion-exchange properties of the fiber surfaces. However, for fibers treated with both hydrazine and NaOH, the ion-exchange properties of the surface could not explain the Fe³⁺ and arsenate adsorption behavior. The best arsenate removal performance was obtained using the simplest pretreatment procedure of soaking in 10% NaOH at 95°C for 90 min, followed by precipitation coating of ferric hydroxide. This simple preparation procedure involves only two commonly available and inexpensive reagents and can be carried out without any specialized equipment. This suggests that adsorbents based on inexpensive homopolymer PAN fabric may be produced in developing areas of the world where commercial products may not be available.

Hydrolyzed Poly(acrylonitrile) Electrospun Ion-Exchange Fibers

A potential ion-exchange material was developed from poly(acrylonitrile) fibers that were prepared by electrospinning followed by alkaline hydrolysis (to convert the nitrile group to the carboxylate functional group). Characterization studies performed on this material using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-Transform infra-red spectroscopy, and ion chromatography confirmed the presence of ion-exchange functional group (carboxylate). Optimum hydrolysis conditions resulted in an ion-exchange capacity of 2.39 meq/g. Ion-exchange fibers were used in a packed-bed column to selectively remove heavy-metal cation from the background of a benign, competing cation at a much higher concentration. The material can be efficiently regenerated and used for multiple cycles of exhaustion and regeneration.

Adsorption of perfluorinated compounds on aminated rice husk prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization

Adsorption is considered as an effective method to remove perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) from aqueous solution. In this study, an aminated rice husk (RH) adsorbent was successfully prepared through surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and subsequent amination reaction, and it was used to remove perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) from aqueous solution. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis verified the presence of grafted polymer brushes and amine groups on the RH surface. The zero point of zeta potential of aminated RH was 8.5, which facilitated the sorption of anionic PFCs on the positively charged adsorbent at pH below 8.5. The sorption equilibria of PFOA, PFBA and PFOS were achieved within 5 h, 3 h and 9 h, respectively, faster than the reported porous adsorbents. Sorption isotherms showed that the adsorption capacities of PFOA, PFBA and PFOS on the aminated RH at pH 5.0 were 2.49, 1.70 and 2.65 mmol g(-1), respectively. Sorption behavior and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis confirmed that the electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions were involved in the sorption process, and the micelles and hemi-micelles of PFOA and PFOS may form on the adsorbent surface.

pH manipulation: a facile method for lowering oxidation state and keeping good yield of poly(m-phenylenediamine) and its powerful Ag+ adsorption ability

A method of pH manipulation has been used to improve chemically oxidative polymerization of m-phenylenediamine (mPD) through concurrent addition of NaOH when adding oxidant (NH(4))(2)S(2)O(8). pH detection and open-circuit potential technique were adopted to monitor the polymerization process of mPD and to explain the oxidation state-pH and yield-pH relationships. Results from Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopies indicate that a low oxidation state is under control by regulating NaOH concentration. At 2.5 M NaOH, the oxidation state of poly(m-phenylenediamine) (PmPD) is 64.7 mol % (measured by molar content of quinoid imine from XPS), while the yield is 84%. The synthesized PmPD possesses better Ag(+) adsorption performance when lowering its oxidation state. Moreover, the Ag(+) adsorbance of PmPD can reach 1693 mg g(-1). Meanwhile, Ag(+) adsorption mechanism was studied by pH tracking, X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The adsorption process includes redox reaction, chelation, and physical adsorption.

Functionalized cotton via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization for enhanced sorption of Cu(II) and Pb(II)

The surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was used to successfully prepare the aminated cotton and polyacrylic acid sodium (P(AA-Na))-grafted cotton for the efficient removal of Cu(II) and Pb(II) from aqueous solution in this study. The modified cotton surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The grafted long polymers with high density of amine and carboxyl groups on the cotton surfaces were responsible for the enhanced adsorption of heavy metals. The sorption behaviors including sorption kinetics, isotherms and pH effect were investigated. The sorption equilibrium of Cu(II) and Pb(II) was achieved within 1h on the P(AA-Na)-grafted cotton, much faster than 8h on the aminated cotton. According to the Langmuir fitting, the maximum sorption capacities of Cu(II) and Pb(II) on the P(AA-Na)-grafted cotton were 2.45 and 2.44 mmol/g, respectively, higher than many adsorbents reported in the literature. The P(AA-Na)-grafted cotton had better adsorption behaviors for Cu(II) and Pb(II) than the aminated cotton.

Removal of metals from aqueous solution and sea water by functionalized graphite nanoplatelets based electrodes

In the present wok, we have demonstrated the simultaneous removal of sodium and arsenic (pentavalent and trivalent) from aqueous solution using functionalized graphite nanoplatelets (f-GNP) based electrodes. In addition, these electrodes based water filter was used for multiple metals removal from sea water. Graphite nanoplatelets (GNP) were prepared by acid intercalation and thermal exfoliation. Functionalization of GNP was done by further acid treatment. Material was characterized by different characterization techniques. Performance of supercapacitor based water filter was analyzed for the removal of high concentration of arsenic (trivalent and pentavalent) and sodium as well as for desalination of sea water, using cyclic voltametry (CV) and inductive coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) techniques. Adsorption isotherms and kinetic characteristics were studied for the simultaneous removal of sodium and arsenic (both trivalent and pentavalent). Maximum adsorption capacities of 27, 29 and 32 mg/g for arsenate, arsenite and sodium were achieved in addition to good removal efficiency for sodium, magnesium, calcium and potassium from sea water.

Preparation, characterization and application of a Ce-Ti oxide adsorbent for enhanced removal of arsenate from water

Different metal doped TiO(2) adsorbents were prepared through the precipitation and hydrolysis-precipitation methods. The novel Ce-Ti oxide adsorbent obtained by the hydrolysis-precipitation had much higher sorption capacity for As(V) than both the pure titanium dioxide and cerium oxide adsorbents, and the preparation conditions including the Ti/Ce molar ratio and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) content were optimized. Environmental scanning electronic microscopy (ESEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopic investigations revealed that the amorphous Ce-Ti hybrid adsorbent was composed of some nanoparticles in the size range of 100-200 nm, which aggregated to form the porous hybrid adsorbents, and the amorphous compositions and the small nanoparticles were related to the high sorption capacity for As(V). Batch sorption experiments including sorption kinetics, isotherm, effect of pH and competitive ions were investigated. The Ce-Ti adsorbent exhibited high sorption capacity for As(V) at pH below 7. Column studies showed that about 72,085 bed volumes of As(V) solution at the concentration of 50 microg L(-1) and pH 6.5 were filtered when As(V) concentration in the effluent increased to 10 microg L(-1), and the average sorption capacity of As(V) on the Ce-Ti adsorbent was about 9.4 mg g(-1).

Preparation of Al-Ce hybrid adsorbent and its application for defluoridation of drinking water

A novel Al-Ce hybrid adsorbent with high sorption capacity for fluoride was prepared through the coprecipitation method in this study, and its preparation conditions were optimized. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) results showed that the hybrid adsorbent was of amorphous structure and constituted by some aggregated nanoparticles. As the adsorbent had the zero point of zeta potential at pH 9.6, it was very effective in fluoride removal from aqueous solution via electrostatic interaction. The results of sorption experiments including sorption kinetics, isotherms, and the effect of solution pH showed that the sorption of fluoride on the Al-Ce adsorbent was fast and pH-dependent. Especially, the adsorbent had high sorption capacity up to 27.5 mg g(-1) for fluoride at the equilibrium fluoride concentration of 1 mg L(-1), much higher than that of the conventional adsorbents. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis and zeta potential measurement showed that the hydroxyl groups and the protonated hydroxyl groups on the adsorbent surface were involved in the fluoride adsorption.

Enhanced arsenic removal by hydrothermally treated nanocrystalline Mg/Al layered double hydroxide with nitrate intercalation

A nanocrystalline Mg/Al layered double hydroxide (FCHT-LDH) adsorbent was developed and investigated through stoichiometric calculations, nitrate displacement investigation, comprehensive sorption/desorption experiments, and analyses with XPS, XRD, FTIR, CHNS/O, and EDX for better understanding of the predominant nature of arsenate (As(V)) interaction with FCHT-LDH. FCHT-LDH demonstrated a higher sorption capacity and a faster sorption rate compared to the layered double hydroxides (LDHs) prepared by conventional methods, due to its higher surface area, better porosity characteristics, and nanocrystalline property. These results also indicated the important role of hydrothermal treatment during the synthesis process for enhanced As(V) removal. The observed nitrate-arsenate molar displacement ratio, increased interlayer spacing, and decreased nitrogen content in the interlayer region revealed the predominance of anion exchange mechanism in As(V) sorption by FCHT-LDH. However, a slight pH increase during As(V) sorption equalization and the presence of ca. 25% irreversibly sorbed As(V) signified the occurrence of ligand exchange process as the secondary sorption mechanism. This specific sorption process that possibly involved formation of inner-sphere As(V) complexes with a monodentate mononuclear configuration at the aluminum center, rendered the FCHT-LDH a high affinity for As(V) over nitrate but induced hysteretic sorption/desorption characteristic that limited its regenerated sorption capacity.