Design and Fabrication of Polymer Layered Silicate Nanocomposites for Water Purification
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MRS Advances © 2018 Materials Research Society DOI: 10.1557/adv.2018.169
Design and Fabrication of Polymer Layered Silicate Nanocomposites for Water Purification Damaris W Mbui1, Dickson M Andala2, Deborah A Abong’o1 and John N Mmbaga1 1
University of Nairobi (Department of Chemistry, College of Biological & Physical Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya)
2
Multi- Media University of Kenya (Department of Chemistry, Nairobi, Kenya)
Corresponding Author: Dr. Damaris Mbui ([email protected])
ABSTRACT
Zeolite and cellulose-acetate nanocomposites were fabricated in this study using a combination of melt blending and solution mixing. The nanocomposites were optimized for heavy metal adsorption using spiked lead and cadmium solutions. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Powder X-Ray diffraction crystallography were used for physical characterization. Fourier Transform Infrared spectra showed a reduction of the hydroxyl peak for cellulose acetate and that of the residual silanol group for zeolites symbolizing bonding during nanocomposite formation. Scanning Electron Microscope results showed an increase in voids with zeolite loading in the nanocomposites, a useful characteristic of good adsorbents. Powder X-ray diffraction crystallography results showed a reduction in 2 theta values for the nanocomposites due to penetration of the polymer into the silicate lattice e.g. zeolite 2 theta peak at 7.44 ° reduced to 7.09° in the nanocomposites signifying an increase in crystal lattice d- spacing from 1.188 nm to 1.247 nm. The nanocomposites adsorbed a maximum of 97.20% lead ions and 85.06% cadmium ions from solution.
INTRODUCTION Heavy metal pollution of water resources has been a subject of concern in many developing nations due to increase in uncontrolled anthropogenic activity. Industrial activities such as electroplating, battery manufacture, pesticides, fertilizer manufacture/ usage, and metal ore refinement have resulted into the proliferation of many of these
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metals into water resources exposing unsuspecting populations to health risks [1, 2, 3]. Heavy metals are non-biodegradable substances which accumulate in the body leading to a disruption of metabolic activity [4]. Lead accumulation in children is known to impede mental development leading to a decreased IQ [5, 6]. The accumulation of cadmium in the body can lead to skeletal deformities [7], kidney failure, respiratory diseases [8], prostate and lung cancer [9]. Zeolites employ surface adsorption in the removal of heavy metal ions from water. The isomorphic substitution of silicon with aluminum atoms create net negative charges in the crystalline lattice which are balanced with exchangeable ions contained in the zeolite cages [10]. Due to the aggregation of the zeolite particles when in micro or nanoparti
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