Sustainable Synthesis of Iron–Zinc Nanocomposites by Azadirachta indica Leaves Extract for RSM-Optimized Sono-Adsorptive Removal of Crystal Violet Dye

Abstract

Environmental pollution has exacerbated the availability of clean water to mankind. In this study, Azadirachta indica leaf extract was used for sustainable synthesis of Fe–Zn nanocomposites (IZNC). The instrumental techniques of Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to determine the structural and chemical composition. The overall surface was mildly acidic in nature, as the pHPZC was observed to be 6.00. The ultrasonicated adsorption experiments were designed by central composite design (CCD). The best responses, which proposed a contaminants removal of 80.39%, were assessed using the response surface methodology (RSM). By repeating experimental runs at the expected optimum operating parameters (OOP), the method was experimentally affirmed with the %mean error and %RSD9 being 2.695% and 1.648%, respectively. The interaction of CV dye and the nanocomposite showed tremendous adsorption efficiency towards crystal violet (CV) dye, as revealed by isotherm studies. Fitting kinetics and isotherm models were affirmed by root mean square error (RMSE), χ2, and a Pearson regression coefficient. Thermodynamic studies proved spontaneity of the CV dye adsorption over the nanocomposites. The values for ΔGo, ΔHo, and ΔSo were observed to be −1.089 kJ/mol, 28.59 kJ/mol, and −3.546 kJ/mol, respectively. Recovery of CV dye was carried out in a variety of media, including NaOH, NaCl, and CH3COOH. The maximum CV recovery was achieved in an acidic media. The robustness of adsorption was affirmed by the interference of various matrix ions, including KCl, LiCl, NaCl, and MgCl2, which did not significantly affect the adsorption process. The maximum adsorption capacity was obtained at a low concentration of LiCl. The results show that a green synthesis approach for nanocomposite synthesis might be an effective and economical way to remove organic contaminants from wastewater. Moreover, it is also effective for effluent treatment plants (ETP) for waste management purposes, in which it may be coupled with chlorine as a disinfectant to purify water that can be used for domestic and irrigation purposes.