Alginate-based nanocomposites for efficient removal of heavy metal ions

Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CF), titanate nanotubes (T), alginate (G) and their nanocomposite microparticles (CF/G and T/G) were prepared and used for efficient removal of Cu2+, Fe3+ and As3+ ions from water. The nanocomposites were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), FTIR and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). In addition, the effects of pH, contact time, adsorbent weight and heavy metal ion concentration on the removal efficiency were investigated. Our results revealed a successful preparation of the nanocomposite particles. The optimized batch experiment conditions were found to be pH of 6.5, contact time of 2 h and adsorbent weight of 0.15 g. The removal efficiencies for Cu2+ using G, CF, T, CF/G and T/G were found to be 91%, 100%, 99.9%, 95% and 98%, respectively. While that of Fe3+ removal was 60%, 100%, 100%, 60% and 82%, respectively. Efficient removal of As3+ ions was also attained (98% upon using T nanoadsorbents). The current study demonstrated that the developed nanomaterials (CF and T) and their corresponding alginate-based nanocomposite microparticles could be further tailored and used as efficient adsorbents for the uptake of different heavy metal ions from wastewater.