Surface modifications of starch provide benefits in various applications for food and medical products as a carrier material due to their high adsorption ability. The effect of enzymatic and acid modification of starch surfaces on the morphology and characteristics of granular tapioca starch is investigated. Tapioca starch slurry is prepared and treated with α‐amylase (αA), amyloglucosidase (AM), the combination of these two enzymes (αA+AM), and 2.2 m HCl (AS) at various hydrolysis times. Starch granular surface of αA, AM, and αA+AM‐treated samples show voids and cavities. The AS sample induced more surface roughness in the granules as compared to the enzyme‐treated samples and some parts of the granules are smaller or fused together into a larger size. The highest relative crystallinity is obtained from the AS samples (48.43%). All modified samples exhibit an increase in their specific surface area, volume of pores, and average diameter. The AM sample shows the highest specific surface area (1.66 m2 g−1) which corresponds to the largest pore volume (0.38 cm3 g−1) while the AS sample shows the highest average diameter (21.87 nm). Overall, a modified granular starch surface with various characteristics can be provided by using hydrolysis enzymes and acid.

The goal of this work is to synthesize zeolite NaY inside Lead tree wood. The wood is mixed with zeolite seed gel before mixing with feed gel and subsequent hydrothermal treatment. In the first trial, the dried and untreated Lead tree wood is mixed with the gel of zeolite NaY before the hydrothermal process. Only zeolite NaP is produced. Then, sonication is applied to the wood and zeolite gel mixture before the hydrothermal process. The product is mixed with the phase of NaP and NaY. In the next attempt, the wood is treated with acid reflux before mixing with the zeolite seed gel. NaY is successfully produced inside the wood. When sonication is also applied, the amount of NaY is increased. The presence of zeolites in the wood are confirmed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption, and thermogravimetric analysis. Moreover, the composites are tested for the adsorption of nickel (II) ions from aqueous solutions. The novel Lead tree wood-zeolite NaY composite has the potential as an adsorbent which could be separated easily from the liquid media.