Prussian blue/ silica HOM nanocomposite for efficient removal of copper (II) from water

Abstract

In this work Prussian blue loaded silica (PB/Si HOM) nanocomposite has been used for removal of Cu (II) as it can act as a selective adsorption agent with negligible toxicity. A faster uptake of copper in water samples was caused by the smaller particle size, higher specific surface area, and higher pore volume values in comparison to the commercial Prussian blue. Optimum conditions are determined using Design-Expert®, version 6.0 (DX6) software applying a contact time of 24 hr with PB/Si HOM nanocomposite adsorbent. The influence of solution pH on the removal efficiency and adsorption capacity of the adsorbent was optimized to be pH 8.4. Other experimental parameters were conducted to determine their effects on the adsorption of Cu (II); It was found that the maximum adsorption 92.3% was obtained at 25°C, 60 minutes of contact time and 10 ppm of metal ions. It was discovered that the ideal amount of adsorbent material for the removal was 0.1 g. It was also discovered that the Langmuir isotherm was appropriate for the adsorption of Cu (II) than the Freundlich isotherm. The kinetic parameters and experimental adsorption capacities for copper onto PB/silica HOM nanocomposites were also studied, it is found that the system is fitted with pseudo-second order where calculated Q_e is found to be 175.439 mg_Cu(II)/g that is very close to the Experimental Q_e one (180.697 mg_Cu(II)/g). Therefore, the newly created environmental nanocomposite material was shown to be appropriate for the adsorption of Cu (II) due to its high adsorption capacity, high adsorption selectivity, quick adsorption speed, and good regeneration for repeated use for adsorption of copper pollutant from different water matrices.