Preparation, characterization and antimicrobial activity of biopolymer based nanocomposite ion exchanger pectin zirconium(IV) selenotungstophosphate: Application for removal of toxic metals

•Pectin zirconium(IV) selenotungstophosphate (Pc/ZSWP) nanocomposite ion exchanger was synthesized by sol–gel method.•The incorporation of pectin provided mechanical strength and support to zirconium(IV) selenotungstophosphate (ZSWP).•Pc/ZSWP nanocomposite ion exchanger had good thermal stability.•Selective separation of Cu2+ and Th4+ from a synthetic mixture of metal ions was achieved efficiently on the column of Pc/ZSWP.•Pc/ZSWP nanocomposite showed promising antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.

A new bio-polymer based nanocomposite, pectin zirconium(IV) selenotungstophosphate (Pc/ZSWP) was prepared via sol–gel method. The material was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Distribution coefficient, thermal stability, elution behavior and pH titrations were investigated to explore the ion exchange behavior of nanocomposite. Pc/ZSWP exhibited higher ion exchange capacity (1.27 meq g−1) than its inorganic counterpart (0.67 meq g−1). To explore environmental applicability of the Pc/ZSWP, binary separation and selective separation of Cu2+ and Th4+ from synthetic mixtures of metal ions were achieved. Antimicrobial activity of the Pc/ZSWP was also investigated.

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