Remediation of Cu(II), Ni(II), and Cr(III) ions from simulated wastewater by dendrimer/titania composites

Generation 4 polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers with ethylenediamine cores (G4-OH) were immobilized on titania (TiO2) and examined as novel metal chelation materials. Characterization results indicate both the effective immobilization of dendrimers onto titania and retention of the dendrimer on titania following remediation. The effective remediation of Cu(II), Ni(II), and Cr(III), which are model pollutants commonly found in industrial electroplating wastewater, is demonstrated in this work. Important parameters that influence the efficiency of metal ion removal were investigated; e.g. solution pH, retention time, metal ion concentration, and composite material dosage. Metal ion removal was achieved over a wide metal concentration range within a 1 h equilibration time. Maximum metal ion removal was achieved at pH ≥7 for both Cu(II) and Cr(III), and pH ≥9 for Ni(II). Further, the dendrimer/titania composite materials were even more effective when metal ion mixtures were tested. Specifically, a dramatic increase was observed for Ni(II) chelation when in a mixture was compared to a pure nickel solution. These findings suggest new strategies for improving metal ion removal from industrial wastewater.

► Generation 4 polyamidoamine dendrimers (G4-OH) were immobilized on titania (TiO2). ► The prepared dendrimers samples were examined as novel metal chelation materials. ► Cu(II), Ni(II), and Cr(III) ions were effectively adsorbed on the dendrimers. ► Freundlich isotherm model fits well the adsorption experimental data. ► The study suggests a new strategy for improving metal ion removal from wastewater.