Nanocomposite Ion Exchanger Research Articles

Titanium-embedded nanocomposite material stimulates ion-exchange characteristics to deal with toxic heavy metal pollutants in aquatic environment

ABSTRACT Nano-sized composite ion-exchanger can be applied as an electrochemically switchable ion-exchanger for waste water treatment, especially in the separation of heavy metal ions from the polluted aquatic system. Advanced polyaniline/Ti(IV) iodomolybdate nanocomposite ion-exchanger have been synthesized by in-situ chemical oxidation polymerization shows better ion-exchange capacity than individual inorganic counterpart. The physico-chemical characterization was done by FT-IR, XRD, simultaneous TGA-DTA, SEM, HR-TEM and electrochemical impedance studies. According to impedance/dielectrical study, it has high resistivity in the low-frequency region. The distribution studies and binary separation revealed that the ion-exchange material is highly selective for Pb2+, which is a most important environmental pollutant. Thus, PANI/TIM nanocomposite ion-exchanger can be used for Pb(II) ion-selective membrane for the treatment of aquatic pollutants in future.

A novel pectin/cerium (IV) silicomolybdate-based nanocomposite ion exchanger: preparation, characterization, and applications

A novel pectin/cerium (IV) silicomolybdate-based nanocomposite ion exchanger: preparation, characterization, and applications

Potato Starch-sodium Alginate-Zr (IV) Phosphate Bio-nanocomposite Ion Exchanger: Synthesis, Characterization and Environmental Application

Background: The introduction of inorganic fillers into the polymer matrix (with multiplicity in functionalization) augments the specific properties of such materials. One such method employed here, which is environmental friendly and facile is the sol-gel synthesis Objective: The nanocomposite synthesized by the above mentioned method was primarily utilized for ion-exchange applications in general and cation exchange in particular. The ZrP based nanocomposite (PS/AG/ZrP) has been examined (as a photocatalyst) for the elimination of toxic cationic dye, methylene blue (Mb) from the wastewater by the mechanism of photodegradation. This study provides the experimental evidence and discussion of the different physicochemical characteristics of the synthesized nanocomposite Method: Herein, we synthesized zirconium phosphate (ZrP)-linked-potato starch/sodium alginate nanocomposite ion exchanger (PS/AG/ZrP) employing facile sol-gel method. Highly sophisticated techniques like FTIR, TGA, SEM, TEM, XRD & UV-Vis were subjected to characterize the PS/AG/ZrP nanocomposite Results: The ion exchange (IE) results show that the nanocomposite ion exchanger (PS/AG/ZrP-6) exhibited higher IEC (2.1meq/g) and thermal stability as conferred from IEC and TGA studies. Using UV-Vis irradiation, photocatalytic results revealed that 74.5% of Mb dye was degraded by novel nanocomposite (PS/AG/ZrP) within 50 minutes. Conclusion: The results discussed reveal that the nanocomposite (PS/AG/ZrP-6) is a potential candidate for ion exchange applications vis-à-vis a photocatalyst for the remediation of wastewater as the time demands. The nanocomposite (PS/AG/ZrP-6) successfully characterized through various techniques and utilized as a potential ion exchanger and a photocatalyst for the dye degradation (MB) under UV-Vis irradiation

Fabrication, Properties, and Performance of Polymer Nanocomposite Ion Exchange Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications: A Review

The membrane in a fuel cell plays an essential role in permeating the ionic charges of positive and negative ions without passing the fuels and electrons through it. The membrane's common materials are perfluorinated polymer, non-fluorinated or hydrocarbon polymer, and natural polymer. The physicochemical properties of the membrane have the most significant influence on the performance of fuel cells in terms of mechanical stability, ionic conductivity, power output, and cell operation longevity. The incorporation of nanoparticles into polymeric-based materials improved the membrane's properties by suppressing fuel crossover, improving water retention, and increasing ionic mobility across the membrane. The effect of incorporating nanoparticles is determined by their type, size, shape, surface acidity, and relationship to the polymer matrix. The blending, sol-gel, and infiltration methods are used to develop the nanocomposite membrane. Compared to a commercial membrane in a fuel cell application, most of these membranes demonstrated superior cell performance. Based on published literature, this review briefly described the design and influence of specific advanced nanomaterials incorporated in polymer matrix toward membrane performance.

Efficient adsorption of cesium using a novel composite inorganic ion-exchanger based on metal organic framework (Ni[(BDC)(TED)]) modified matal hexacyanoferrate

The surfaces of the microporous metal-organic frameworks (Ni[(BDC)(TED)]) were modified by [KCu(Fe(CN)6)] and then it was employed as a nanocomposite ion exchanger to remove cesium ions from aqueous solutions. Various techniques such as infrared (IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption/desorption (BET), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), and thermogravimetry analysis were used to study the structure, morphology, composition and thermal stability of the synthesized compounds. The effects of parameters influencing adsorption, such as initial concentration of the solution, temperature, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and pH, were determined. The equilibrium data were fitted into Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm models. In addition, the pseudo-first-order, second-order, Elovich and the intraparticle diffusion model were applied to describe the adsorption kinetics of Cs. The results of the assessments indicated the adsorption experiments reached equilibrium very rapidly in 45 min. Furthermore, a maximum equilibrium adsorption capacity of 206 mgg−1 was obtained. The equilibrium data was fitted well with the Freundlich model, indicating that the Cs adsorption process was multilayered. Moreover, the pseudo-second-order kinetic model suitably described the kinetics of Cs adsorption. Desirable selectivity of Cs in the presence of the other interfering ions was confirmed. In addition, adsorption efficiency by the synthesized nanocomposite after five cycles reached 88% and determination of the thermodynamic parameters showed that the Cs adsorption process was endothermic and spontaneous. In addition, easy synthesis, high adsorption at ambient temperature, and wide ranges of pH are the other factors that make it a promising candidate for cesium removal.

Materials for Metal-Air Batteries

Metal-air batteries have received significant attention lately due to their inherent safety, potentially high capacity and use of relatively inexpensive materials. We will present results from our work on a Zn-air battery using novel polymer electrolyte membranes and cathode electrocatalysts. The membrane enhances capacity due to higher ionic conductivity, while the electrocatalyst facilitates low-overpotential operation for the oxygen reduction reaction. In this presentation, we will discuss the use of functionalized graphene oxide (FGO) nanocomposite ion exchange membranes and Fe-Mn cathode electrocatalyst.

Fabrication and applications of polyaniline Zr(IV)iodate nanocomposite ion exchanger for heavy metal sorption with antibacterial activity

A novel polyaniline based composite ion-exchange of Zr (IV) iodate was synthesized by inorganic Zr (IV) iodate nanoparticles and the organic polymer matrix by sol-gel method. The nano composite material was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Themogravimetric Analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and tunneling electron microscopy (TEM). The XRD of nano composite material confirmed the semicrystalline nature while as particle size analysis as well as TEM depicted average particle size in nanometer. The partition coefficient studies of different metal ions in the composite were performed in demineralised water and Triton X-100 surfactant, and it was found to be selective for Pb (II) ion. Physical and antibacterial properties of the composite were investigated in order to evaluate their key parameters as composite ion exchanger in water purification. The results revealed that incorporation of Zr (IV) iodate enhanced the properties of the ion-exchange with influence of their selective adsorption for Pb(II) ions, which plays important role for sustainability and development of ground water. During the antimicrobial screening, the nano-composite was found to be active against used gram negative and gram positive bacteria.

Nanoionic exchanger with unprecedented loading capacity of uranium

Nanocomposite materials as innovative environment and energy materials require superbly isolation performance to apply in practice. Here we report successful grafting of polyethylenimine (PEI) on multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-PEI) which was characterized using different techniques. The forier transform infrared (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analyses showed that PEI was successfully grafted on the oxidized surface of MWCNTs, which shows exceptionally high uptake capacity and stability towards U(VI) ions. The performance of MWCNTs-PEI adsorption characteristics was evaluated at different conditions including initial U(VI) concentration, adsorbent dosage, pH and contact time. The pH was found to have great effect on the adsoption process; the highest adsorption capacity obtained was found in pH range of 6.5–8.7. The experimental uptake of the fabricated MWCNTs-PEI nanocomposite ion-exchanger was found to be 947 mg U/g (nanocomposite), while the one calculated according to Langmuir model was found to be 997 mg/g with an (R2) of 0.978; the largest value reported to date for uranium extraction using MWCNTs based adsorbents from aqueous solutions. Additionally, four consecutive adsorption–desorption cycles suggesting that the synthesized MWCNTs-PEI had exceptional reversibility and stability for uranium isolation from aqueous solutions. This could be due to the synergetic effect of both carboxyl and amine groups attached to the surface of MWCNTs-PEI nanocomposite. The kinetics of the adsorption were best fitted to the pseudo 2nd order model. The MWCNTs-PEI prepared in this work could have great potential for U(VI) separation from aqueous solutions if turned into magnetic for easy separation.

Efficient removal of Hg (II) ions from waste water by a new nano-composite poly-o-toluidine tin-zirconium (IV) molybdophosphate

ABSTRACT A new nano-composite cation exchanger poly-o-toluidine tin-zirconium (IV) molybdophosphate (PTD-SnZrMoP) was synthesised by incorporating conducting polymer poly-o-toluidine into a novel four-component inorganic cation exchanger tin-zirconium (IV) molybdophosphate with two cations and two anions. The nano-composite was characterised by FTIR, FESEM, TEM, XRD and TGA/DTA techniques. The ion exchange capacity of the nano-composite ion exchanger (2.40 meq/g) was observed to be higher as compared to that of its inorganic counterpart (1.95meq/g). The nanocomposite was found to be thermally stable, and retained 60.4% of its ion exchange capacity up to a temperature of 400°C. Elution behaviour, thermal stability, chemical stability, distribution studies and quantitative separations of metal ions from synthetic binary mixtures as well as real life effluent samples from a thermal power plant on poly-o-toluidine tin-zirconium (IV) molybdophosphate nano-composite exchanger were also investigated. The nano-composite was employed for the quantitative separation of Hg (II) ions from thermal power plant effluents.

Sol–gel synthesis of polyacrylamide-stannic arsenate nanocomposite ion exchanger: binary separations and enhanced photo-catalytic activity

In this, polyacrylamide-stannic arsenate nanocomposite (PA/SANC) ion exchanger has been synthesized using sol–gel technique. Different instrumental techniques were employed to characterize the PA/SANC. XRD results illustrate semi-crystalline nature of material. TEM images confirmed that the size of PA/SANC was in nano-range. Nanocomposite have superior physicochemical properties including ion exchange capacity, elution behavior, effect of eluent concentration, distribution coefficient (Kd), effect of temperature and pH study. PA/SANC have 0.92 meq/g value of ion exchange capacity as compared to inorganic part (0.39 meq/g). On the basis of Kd values, it has been found that nanocomposite was highly selective for Mg(II) ions (Kd = 222.90). PA/SANC was also explored for binary separation of different metal pairs. PA/SANC degraded 86.22% of sunset yellow under 3 h of solar exposure.

Selective removal of lead (II) ions and estimation of Ca (II) ions using poly-o-toluidine–zirconium (IV) molybdophosphate

A new composite cation exchange material poly-o-toluidine–zirconium (IV) molybdophosphate (PTD–ZrMoP) was synthesized by sol–gel method through the incorporation of inorganic gel of zirconium(IV) molybdophosphate in the organic polymer poly-o-toluidine. The PTD–ZrMoP was characterized by FTIR, FESEM, HRTEM, XRD and TGA/DTA techniques. Elution behavior, thermal stability, pH titrations, chemical stability, distribution studies and quantitative separation of metal ions in binary synthetic mixtures and real life samples on nanocomposite ion exchanger were also investigated. The ion-exchange capacity of the nanocomposite ion exchanger (0.84 meq/g) has been observed to be higher compared to that of its inorganic counterpart (0.49 meq/g). The nanocomposite was found to be thermally stable and retained 71.43% of its ion-exchange capacity up to 300 °C temperature. The environmental applicability of the PTD–ZrMoP nanocomposite was explored by achieving binary separations and selective separation of Pb2+ from synthetic mixtures of metal ions. The analytical utility of nanocomposite ion exchanger has been established by the separation of harmful Pb2+ ions from waste water samples obtained from paint industry, textile industry and lead storage battery unit, and by the quantitative estimation of Ca2+ ions in a commercially available pharmaceutical formula.

Synthesis and Characterization of Nanocomposite Acrylamide TIN(IV) Silicomolybdate: Photocatalytic Activity and Chromatographic Column Separations

A nanocomposite acrylamide tin(IV) silicomolybdate (AC/TSMNC) was chemically synthesized by the sol–gel technique in surfactant medium at room temperature. The synthesis conditions, such as reactant concentrations, pH and temperature were varied to optimize the ion exchange properties of the nanocomposite ion exchange material. The ion exchange capacity was found to be 1.92 meq/g for Na+. The nanocomposite was characterized on the basis of chemical composition, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies. The interpretation of the XRD pattern indicated its semi-crystalline nature. The diamond shape morphology was observed in SEM studies. The particle size of the material was in the range of 50‒100 nm as indicated by TEM. Sorption studies were performed in a number of solvent systems showing high selectivity for Pb(II) and Ni(II) in synthetic mixtures. On the basis of distribution coefficient studies several binary separations of metal ions, viz. Mg2+–Pb2+, Mg2+–Ni2+, Sr2+–Pb2+, Sr2+–Ni2+, Zn2+–Pb2+, Zn2+–Ni2+ were achieved quantitatively on acrylamide tin(IV) silicomolybdate columns. The quantitative separation of Ni2+ and Zn2+ was also achieved on a commercially available pharmaceutical formulation (Rxplus). Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye onto AC/TSMNC was investigated for 3.5 h under solar light at a wavelength of 664 nm. The rate of methylene blue dye photodegradation onto AC/TSMNC was found to follow the pseudo-first-order kinetic model.

Preparation and Characterization of Gum Acacia/Ce(IV)MoPO4 Nanocomposite Ion Exchanger for Photocatalytic Degradation of Methyl Violet Dye

Gum acacia based nanocomposite ion exchanger has been fabricated using simple sol–gel method. The effect of biopolymer concentration on ion exchange capacity has been studied. The GA/CeMoPO4 nanocomposite ion exchanger has been well characterized using various techniques as FTIR, XRD, SEM and TEM. The GA/CeMoPO4 showed better ion exchange capacity of 1.04 meq/g in comparison to its inorganic counterpart GA/CeMoPO4 (0.65 meq/g). The various physicochemical properties including thermal stability, elution behavior and pH titrations were studied in detail. The photocatalytic nature of GA/CeMoPO4 and CeMoPO4 were investigated using methyl violet as test dye. The GA/CeMoPO4 showed 86% of methyl violet photodegradation in 2 h of illumination.

Sol–gel synthesis of gelatin–zirconium(IV) tungstophosphate nanocomposite ion exchanger and application for the estimation of Cd(II) ions

Gelatin–Zr(IV) tungstophosphate (GT/ZTP) nanocomposite ion exchanger was synthesised using simple sol–gel method at pH 0–1. GT/ZTP nanocomposite shows greater value of IEC (0.80 meq/g) as compared to Zr(IV) tungstophosphate (0.32 meq/g). TEM results confirmed the nano size of composite material. Distribution coefficient studies illustrates that the GT/ZTP have higher distribution coefficient values for Cd(II) instead of others. Binary separations of metal ion pairs including Cd(II)–Al(III), Cd(II)–Ni(II), Pb(II)–Mg(II), Mg(II)–Zn(II), Pb(II)–Cu(II), Co(II)–Cu(II), Al(III)–Co(II) and Ni(II)–Zn(II) were attempted using GT/ZTP naocomposite column. The photocatalytic studies showed that 84.61% MV was degraded within 4 h of solar illumination. The kinetics of photocatalytic degradation for methyl violet (MV) was studied by pseudo-first-order kinetic model with higher R2 = 0.998. GT/ZTP nanocomposite was exploited for the erection of ion selective membrane electrode to detect Cd(II) in the water system. The electrode possessed wide concentration range, pH range and quick response time.

Comparative study on the behaviour of Chitosan-Gelatin based Hydrogel and nanocomposite ion exchanger synthesized under microwave conditions towards photocatalytic removal of cationic dyes

The present work reports the comparison study of Chitosan-Gelatin based hydrogels with their nanocomposite ion exchangers synthesized under microwave conditions for the adsorption and photodegradation of the cationic dyes. In this report, the hydrogel based on Chitosan-Gelatin, more selective for anionic dyes is modified to nanocomposite ion exchanger by incorporating the zirconium (IV) selenophosphate to make it selective for cationic dyes. The nanocomposite was investigated with a tremendous hike in the degradation capacity (99% from 12%) of MB after being modified to nanocomposite ion exchanger. Adsorption process followed Langmuir adsorption (Qo = 10.46 mgg−1) and non linear PFO kinetic model with k1, qe (calculated), R2, RMSE = 0.011, 1.02 (mgg−1), 0.996, and 0.01709 respectively.

Synergistic effect of organic-inorganic hybrid nanocomposite ion exchanger on photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine-B dye and heavy metal ion removal from industrial effluents

Present work reports the synthesis of Chitosan-Gelatin @ zirconium (IV) selenophosphate nanocomposite (CH-GEL/ZSPNC) ion exchanger. CH-GEL/ZSPNC was characterized by different characterization techniques using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic studies (EDX), High resolution-transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), powdered X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Physicochemical properties like ion exchange capacity (IEC), thermal stability, elution behaviour, eluent concentration, pH titration, chemical stability and distribution coefficient (Kd) of (CH-GEL/ZSPNC) ion exchanger were investigated. The ion exchange capacity of the synthesized nanocomposite was improved by one and half order (2.4 mequiv/g) as compare to its inorganic moiety (1.6 mequiv/g) and highest among a number of nanocomposite ion exchangers already reported in the literature. CH-GEL/ZSPNC ion exchanger was found to be thermally stable and retained 58.3% ion exchange capacity (IEC) of its original IEC value at 400 °C. Pb (II) and Cu (II) was found to possess the highest values of Kd. Binary separation of divalent heavy metal ions has been conducted on the basis of Kd values. Photocatalytic degradation of the Rhodamine-B (RD-B) dye was explored with CH-GEL/ZSPNC in the solar radiations. It has been investigated that 84% of the RD-B dye was degraded after 160 min of photo exposure. Photodegradation of the RD-B follows the pseudo-first-order kinetics. Thus, the synthesized CH-GEL/ZSPNC ion exchanger is found to be a superior advanced nanocomposite photocatalyst for environmental remediation of dye pollutants, heavy metal ion removal, the binary separations and possessed tremendous reusability potential.

Chitosan–Gelatin @ Tin (IV) Tungstatophosphate Nanocomposite Ion Exchanger: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications in Environmental Remediation

The present study reported the synthesis of novel organic–inorganic hybrid nanocomposite by incorporating tin (IV) based ion exchanger into the hybrid polymer network of chitosan and gelatin prepared under vacuum for the efficient removal of heavy metal ions and toxic dyes from an aqueous fluid. The physicochemical studies such as ion exchange capacity (IEC), chemical stability, thermal stability, pH titration and distribution behaviour studies were also carried out to determine the cation exchange behaviour of the material. The surface morphology and structural properties were studied by the techniques such as FTIR, FESEM, EDS, TEM and XRD. Distribution studies confirmed the synthesized CG/STPNC had the highest selectivity for Pb2+ ions (85.3 mL/g). Maximum adsorption of methylene blue (82%) was achieved within 240 min at 500 mg of adsorbent dose, 10 mg/L of the initial concentration of dye, pH of 7 and 30 °C of temperature. Adsorption kinetic data fitted well with pseudo-second order rate model with R2 = 0.995. The correlation value 0.95 and favourable RL = 0.21 of adsorption data suggested better fit for Langmuir adsorption. Thus the synthesized nanocomposite ion exchanger was found to be a promising cation exchanger as well as an adsorbent for heavy metal ion and dye removal from textile industrial effluents.

Synthesis and characterization of cation exchange membrane based on Polyaniline Bi(III)tungstophosphate nanocomposite: its application as Ni(II) selective electrode

In the present study an organic-inorganic nanocomposite ion exchanger Polyaniline Bi(III)tungstophosphate was synthesized via sol-gel process showing excellent ion exchange capacity (IEC–3.2 meqg−1). It showed high DC electrical conductivity (3.35 S cm−1) with good retention capability up to 120 °C under isothermal and cyclic ageing experiments. This nanocomposite was utilized in preparation of heterogeneous ion exchange membrane (IEC–1.2 meqg−1) by solution casting method. The materials were characterized by SEM with EDX, TEM, XRD, FTIR, and TGA-DTA. A Ni2+ selective membrane electrode was fabricated, and its various parameters like detection limit (6.3 × 10−8 M), linear response range (6.3 × 10−8 M to 1.0 × 10−1 M), response time (35 s) and working pH range (4–8) were calculated. It was employed as an indicator electrode in the potentiometric titration of Ni2+.

Determination of Cu2+ in aqueous solution using a polyindole–tin(IV) molybdophosphate conductive nanocomposite ion-selective membrane electrode

Polyindole–tin (IV) molybdophosphate (PIn-SMP), an organic-inorganic nanocomposite ion exchanger, was synthesized by a sol-gel process and exhibited excellent ion exchange capacity (2.1 meq g−1). A heterogeneous ion exchange membrane of PIn-SMP (ion exchange capacity 0.95 meq g−1) was also prepared by a solution casting method. The materials were characterized by various instrumental methods, such as scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform IR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. PIn-SMP exhibits high electrical conductivity (6.1 × 10−2 S/cm) and is stable up to 120 °C under ambient conditions. A Cu2+-selective membrane electrode was fabricated, and its linear working range (1.8 × 10−7–1.0 × 10−1 M), response time (20 s), Nernstian slope (24.07 mV dec−1), and working pH range (4–7) were calculated. Moreover, it was used as an indicator electrode in the potentiometric titration of Cu2+.

Development and Physico-Chemical Characterization of Conducting Polymeric Zirconium Based Advanced Nanocomposite Ion-Exchangers for Environmental Remediation

Polyaniline-Zr(IV) tungstovanadate and Polyaniline-Zirconium oxide nanocomposite ion -exchangers were synthesized and physico-chemical characterization done by FT-IR-UV spectral studies, XRD, SEM and TGA. These composites are having high mechanical strength, good electrical conductivity and stability than their individual components. The organic polymeric component of the composites provides mechanical as well as chemical stability whereas the inorganic component supports the ion-exchange behavior and thermal stability. Both the inorganic and organic parts are jointly responsible for their improved electrical conductivity. They have more promising ion exchange capacity towards alkali metal halides and have selective adsorption towards Pb(II) ion and these can be used as powerful candidates for water softening