ZnO-PLLA nanofiber nanocomposite for continuous flow mode purification of water from Cr(VI).

T Burks,M Saleemi,Y Kiros,F Akthar,M Avila

doi:10.1155/2015/687094

Abstract

Nanomaterials of ZnO-PLLA nanofibers have been used for the adsorption of Cr(VI) as a prime step for the purification of water. The fabrication and application of the flexible ZnO-PLLA nanofiber nanocomposite as functional materials in this well-developed architecture have been achieved by growing ZnO nanorod arrays by chemical bath deposition on synthesized electrospun poly-L-lactide nanofibers. The nanocomposite material has been tested for the removal and regeneration of Cr(IV) in aqueous solution under a “continuous flow mode” by studying the effects of pH, contact time, and desorption steps. The adsorption of Cr(VI) species in solution was greatly dependent upon pH. SEM micrographs confirmed the successful fabrication of the ZnO-PLLA nanofiber nanocomposite. The adsorption and desorption of Cr(VI) species were more likely due to the electrostatic interaction between ZnO and Cr(VI) ions as a function of pH. The adsorption and desorption experiments utilizing the ZnO-PLLA nanofiber nanocomposite have appeared to be an effective nanocomposite in the removal and regeneration of Cr(VI) species.

Highlights

Continuous increase in population and industries has led to elevated releases of toxic substances into the environment
Due to the elemental nature of chromium and its solubility and mobility characteristics in the environment [11], the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set an enforceable standard level called a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for chromium, which is designated as 0.1 mg L−1
In order to utilize these materials, we report the fabrication of highly flexible nanofibers of poly-L-lactide (PLLA) by electrospinning, which was used as a substrate for the growth of radially oriented ZnO nanowires by the chemical bath deposition method

Summary

Introduction

Continuous increase in population and industries has led to elevated releases of toxic substances into the environment These substances seriously influence the metabolism of living organisms that can cause permanent if not lethal damage, subsequently, placing a potential hazard to the ecosystem. Global environmental organizations, such as, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have made the removal of heavy metal contaminates including chromium and other toxic substances from aquatic systems an important issue for environmental engineering and other technical areas. The effective removal or reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) from contaminated water and wastewater is very important [15] Metal oxides such as ZnO are essential for the development of efficient and smart materials [16]. As a direct result of this assembled nanostructure, we devised a simple setup for adsorption and desorption of Cr(VI) ions from the single metal aqueous solution in a continuous flow mode

Experimental

Results and Discussion

Conclusion

Conflict of Interests