Alumina-hydroxyapatite nanocomposites and their applications for the removal of phenolic compounds from water: A comparative study

Abstract

This study develops cost-effective adsorbents for the treatment of water contaminated with phenolic compounds, including Phenol (Ph), 2-Chlorophenol (2-CPh), and 2-Nitrophenol (2-NPh). Therefore, Alumina-Hydroxyapatite composites were prepared from natural phosphate in the presence of Al3+ ions characterized by various techniques and then the supplementary active sites on their surface may make a better contribution to the phenols remediation. It was concluded that the specific surface area, surface charge and Al content were very suitable for the more adsorptive removal. Results show that the 2-chlorophenol is the more affinity versus hydroxyapatite and its formed composites compared to 2-NPh and Ph in order 2-CPh>2-NPh>Ph.