Recyclable Magnetic Nickel Ferrite-Carboxymethyl Cellulose-Sodium Alginate Bio-Composite for Efficient Removal of Nickel Ion from water

Abstract

Abstract In wastewater treatment, magnetic bio-composites are frequently investigated as an adsorbent due to their great capacity for adsorption and affordability. In this current work, an attempt has been made to develop spinel nickel ferrite carboxymethyl cellulose composite (NiFCMC) and modified its surface by alginate polymer to form NiFCMC-Alg. composite. Several techniques were utilized to characterize these adsorbents including (FTIR), XRD (X-Ray Diffraction), FE-SEM, EDS (energy-dispersive spectra), TGA (thermogravimetric analysis), VSM and pHzpc. These adsorbents were explored to check their potentiality to remove Ni (II) ions in aqueous medium on various parameters such as contact time, initial metal ion concentration, pH, adsorbent dose and temperature. The optimum equilibrium time noticed was 180 minutes at pH 8 with adsorbent dose of 0.1 g. Results of kinetic studies showed best fit result for Lagergren pseudo second order model. Likewise, the Langmuir isotherm model also showed good agreement with maximum adsorption capacities 47.84 mg/g, 60.24 mg/g for NiFCMC and NiFCMC-Alg. respectively. Calculated thermodynamic parameters confirmed spontaneous nature of adsorption process. The regeneration efficiency of both adsorbents was studied for five cycles. This study has shown that NiFCMC and NiFCMC-Alg. can be a good substitute for removing Ni (II) ions in aqueous medium.