Synthesis and Characterization of Low-Cost Zirconium Nanocomposites as Novel Adsorbents for Arsenazo III Pollutant

Abstract

Removing contaminated Arsenazo III dye from contaminated effluent is a challenge and of great interest due to its hazard and environmental impact. Therefore, the biggest challenge was producing highly efficient, easy to recycle, and economically inexpensive adsorbent materials for the contaminated dye. Three chemically stable zirconium nanocomposites with unique properties were synthesized by gel-precipitation technology. The composition, chemical, and physical properties of zirconium molybdate, tungstate, and silicate nanocomposites have been extensively proven using many different and appropriate devices such as XRD, SEM–EDX, TEM, FT-IR, BET, DLS, TGA-DTA, and zeta potential. By utilizing the most effective adsorption techniques, Azo-dye was successfully bound to ZrMo-NPs, ZrW-NPs, and ZrSi-NPs composites. The uptake capacities for these composites were measured at 0.29, 0.79, and 1.61 mmol.g−1, respectively. The sorption parameters were optimized as follows: a feed solution pH of 3 for ZrMo-NPs, a pH of 2.3 for ZrW-NPs, and a pH of 2.3 for ZrSi-NPs. The stirring time was set at 30 min, the metal ion concentration was 1.64 mmol L−1, and the sorbent dose was 7.5 mg. The adsorption results agreed well with the Langmuir isotherm and the pseudo-second-order reaction models and demonstrated the endothermic nature and kinetic improvement by increasing temperatures. The three nanocomposites effectively eliminated tainted dye from lab wastewater, offering promise for their potential applications in the future. Graphical Abstract