Remediation of heavy metals from water using CaTiO3@g-C3N4 nanocomposite as adsorbent: Synthesis, performance, kinetic modeling and mechanistic insights

Abstract

This study presents a novel approach for synthesizing a ternary composite material comprised of carbon nitride nanosheets, titanium, and calcium oxides via an ultrasonic route. The successful formation and composition of the nanocomposite material were confirmed by several characterizations, such as X-ray diffraction, FTIR, and EDX analysis. The N2 adsorption/desorption analysis confirms the mesoporous nanostructure of the material with a high specific surface area (62m2.g−1). The adsorption properties of the nanocomposite were tested for nickel ion removal from an aqueous solution, and the effects of pH and initial concentration of the adsorbate were evaluated. The results indicate that the adsorption process depends on pH and initial concentration, with a maximum adsorption capacity of up to 483 mg.g−1. Removing Ni2+ ions is a chemisorption process following pseudo-second-order kinetics and is well-described by the Langmuir adsorption model. Furthermore, a plausible mechanism for Ni2+ ions adsorption onto CaTiO3@g-C3N4 nanocomposite particles' surface is suggested. The material's properties and synthesis process provide an economical and efficient solution for wastewater remediation, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).