Activated Carbon/Carborundum@Microcrystalline Cellulose core shell nano-composite: Synthesis, characterization and application for heavy metals adsorption from aqueous solutions

Abstract

The ubiquitous existence of heavy metals in wastewater and natural water bodies has deteriorated the quality of water environment and exerted significant hazardous impacts on ecosystems. Herein, a novel effective Activated Carbon/Carborundum@Microcrystalline Cellulose core shell nano-composite (AC/CB/MCC) was synthesized to be utilized for aqueous solutions detoxification from As (III) and Cu (II) ions. Various principal characterizations including XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, BET surface area, and zeta potential were performed to examine the different characteristics of activated carbon, carborundum, microcrystalline cellulose and the synthesized AC/CB/MCC nano-composite. The kinetic studies illustrated that the pseudo-second-order is the most favorable model for ion adsorption among the examined models. The sorption experimental data of the optimized AC/CB/MCC were best fitted with the Freundlich isotherm with optimal adsorption capacities of 422.9 and 423.55 mg/g for As (III) and Cu (II) ions, respectively. The electrostatic interaction was the main mechanism for ion adsorption onto AC/CB/MCC nano-composite at moderate pH values (pH above 6), while the chemical complexation was the main mechanism at high acidic conditions (pH=2–6). This study would extend the potential application of Activated Carbon/Carborundum@Microcrystalline Cellulose nano-composite, acting as an exceptional active adsorbent for As (III) and Cu (II) ion adsorption in water treatment.