Nanomaterials

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21 pages, 4154 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristic Aspects of Uranium(VI) Adsorption Utilizing Nano-Silica/Chitosan from Wastewater Solution

by Ahmed K. Sakr, Mostafa M. Abdel Aal, Khaled A. Abd El-Rahem, Eman M. Allam, Samia M. Abdel Dayem, Emad A. Elshehy, Mohamed Y. Hanfi, Mohammed S. Alqahtani and Mohamed F. Cheira

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(21), 3866; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12213866 - 2 Nov 2022

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 2484

Abstract

A new nano-silica/chitosan (SiO₂/CS) sorbent was created using a wet process to eliminate uranium(VI) from its solution. Measurements using BET, XRD, EDX, SEM, and FTIR were utilized to analyze the production of SiO₂/CS. The adsorption progressions were carried out [...] Read more.

A new nano-silica/chitosan (SiO₂/CS) sorbent was created using a wet process to eliminate uranium(VI) from its solution. Measurements using BET, XRD, EDX, SEM, and FTIR were utilized to analyze the production of SiO₂/CS. The adsorption progressions were carried out by pH, SiO₂/CS dose, temperature, sorbing time, and U(VI) concentration measurements. The optimal condition for U(VI) sorption (165 mg/g) was found to be pH 3.5, 60 mg SiO₂/CS, for 50 min of sorbing time, and 200 mg/L U(VI). Both the second-order sorption kinetics and Langmuir adsorption model were observed to be obeyed by the ability of SiO₂/CS to eradicate U(VI). Thermodynamically, the sorption strategy was a spontaneous reaction and exothermic. According to the findings, SiO₂/CS had the potential to serve as an effectual sorbent for U(VI) displacement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Environmental Remediation)

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16 pages, 2516 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Remediation of Cr(VI)-Contaminated Soil by Biochar-Supported Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron and the Consequences for Indigenous Microbial Communities

by Jianwei Yang, Xiangpeng Tan, Muhammad Shaaban, Yajun Cai, Buyun Wang and Qi’an Peng

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(19), 3541; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12193541 - 10 Oct 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2208

Abstract

Biochar/nano-zero-valent iron (BC-nZVI) composites are currently of great interest as an efficient remediation material for contaminated soil, but their potential to remediate Cr-contaminated soils and effect on soil microecology is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of BC-nZVI [...] Read more.

Biochar/nano-zero-valent iron (BC-nZVI) composites are currently of great interest as an efficient remediation material for contaminated soil, but their potential to remediate Cr-contaminated soils and effect on soil microecology is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of BC-nZVI composites on the removal of Cr(VI) from soil, and indigenous microbial diversity and community composition. The results showed that after 15 days of remediation with 10 g/kg of BC-nZVI, 86.55% of Cr(VI) was removed from the soil. The remediation of the Cr-contaminated soil with BC-nZVI resulted in a significant increase in OTUs and α-diversity index, and even a significant increase in the abundance and diversity of indigenous bacteria and unique bacterial species in the community by reducing the toxic concentration of Cr, changing soil properties, and providing habitat for survival. These results confirm that BC-nZVI is effective in removing Cr(VI) and stabilizing Cr in soil with no significant adverse effects on soil quality or soil microorganisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Environmental Remediation)

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12 pages, 3454 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Synthesis of Mesoporous Silica Adsorbent Modified with Mercapto–Amine Groups for Selective Adsorption of Cu²⁺ Ion from Aqueous Solution

by Sagar M. Mane, Chaitany Jayprakash Raorane and Jae Cheol Shin

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(18), 3232; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12183232 - 18 Sep 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2082

Abstract

In a sol–gel co-condensation, a mesoporous silica hybrid integrated with (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (TMPSH) was prepared and then reacted with allylamine via a post-surface functionalization approach. Approximately 15 mol% of TMSPSH was introduced into the mesoporous silica pore walls along with tetraethyl orthosilicate. The mercapto [...] Read more.

In a sol–gel co-condensation, a mesoporous silica hybrid integrated with (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (TMPSH) was prepared and then reacted with allylamine via a post-surface functionalization approach. Approximately 15 mol% of TMSPSH was introduced into the mesoporous silica pore walls along with tetraethyl orthosilicate. The mercapto ligands in the prepared mesoporous silica pore walls were then reacted with allylamine (AM) to form the mercapto–amine-modified mesoporous silica adsorbent (MSH@MA). The MSH@MA NPs demonstrate highly selective adsorption of copper (Cu²⁺) ions (~190 mg/g) with a fast equilibrium adsorption time (30 min). The prepared adsorbent shows at least a five times more efficient recyclable stability. The MSH@MA NPs adsorbent is useful for selective adsorption of Cu²⁺ ions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Environmental Remediation)

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11 pages, 8646 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Adsorption Properties of Nanostructured Composites Derived from Al/Fe Nanoparticles with Respect to Arsenic

by Sergey O. Kazantsev, Aleksandr S. Lozhkomoev and Nikolay G. Rodkevich

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(18), 3177; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12183177 - 13 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1736

Abstract

Composite nanostructures containing iron in different forms exhibit a high adsorption capacity with respect to arsenic. The aim of our study was to investigate the adsorption activity of an adsorbent composite prepared by the oxidation of bimetallic Al/Fe nanoparticles under different conditions. Depending [...] Read more.

Composite nanostructures containing iron in different forms exhibit a high adsorption capacity with respect to arsenic. The aim of our study was to investigate the adsorption activity of an adsorbent composite prepared by the oxidation of bimetallic Al/Fe nanoparticles under different conditions. Depending on the oxidation conditions, nanostructures with different morphologies in the form of nanosheets, nanoplates and nanorods with different compositions and textural characteristics could be obtained. The nanostructures obtained had a positive zeta potential and were characterized by a high specific surface area: 330 m²/g for the AlOOH/FeAl₂ nanosheets; 75 m²/g for the AlOOH/Fe₂O₃/FeAl₂ nanoplates; and 43 m²/g for the Al(OH)₃/FeAl₂ nanorods. The distribution of an FeAl₂ intermetallide over the surface of the AlOOH nanostructures led to an increase in arsenic adsorption of 25% for the AlOOH/FeAl₂ nanosheets and of 34% for the AlOOH/Fe₂O₃/FeAl₂ nanoplates and Al(OH)₃/FeAl₂ nanorods. The adsorption isotherms matched most preciously to the Freundlich model. This fact indicated the energy heterogeneity of the adsorbent surface and multilayer adsorption. The nanostructures studied can be used to purify water contaminated with arsenic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Environmental Remediation)

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14 pages, 6931 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication of Durable Superhydrophobic Surface for Versatile Oil/Water Separation Based on HDTMS Modified PPy/ZnO

by Shumin Fan, Sujie Jiang, Zhenjie Wang, Pengchao Liang, Wenxiu Fan, Kelei Zhuo and Guangri Xu

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(14), 2510; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12142510 - 21 Jul 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2366

Abstract

Superhydrophobic materials have been widely applied in rapid removal and collection of oils from oil/water mixtures for increasing damage to environment and human beings caused by oil-contaminated wastewater and oil spills. Herein, superhydrophobic materials were fabricated by a novel polypyrrole (PPy)/ZnO coating followed [...] Read more.

Superhydrophobic materials have been widely applied in rapid removal and collection of oils from oil/water mixtures for increasing damage to environment and human beings caused by oil-contaminated wastewater and oil spills. Herein, superhydrophobic materials were fabricated by a novel polypyrrole (PPy)/ZnO coating followed by hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS) modification for versatile oil/water separation with high environmental and excellent reusability. The prepared superhydrophobic surfaces exhibited water contact angle (WCA) greater than 150° and SA less than 5°. The superhydrophobic fabric could be applied for separation of heavy oil or light oil/water mixtures and emulsions with the separation efficiencies above 98%. The coated fabric also realized highly efficient separation with harsh environmental solutions, such as acid, alkali, salt, and hot water. The superhydrophobic fabric still remained, even after 80 cycles of separation and 12 months of storage in air, proving excellent durability. These novel superhydrophobic materials have indicated great development potentials for oil/water separation in practical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Environmental Remediation)

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18 pages, 8603 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficient Recovery of Rare Earth Elements and Zinc from Spent Ni–Metal Hydride Batteries: Statistical Studies

by Ahmed R. Weshahy, Ayman A. Gouda, Bahig M. Atia, Ahmed K. Sakr, Jamelah S. Al-Otaibi, Aljawhara Almuqrin, Mohamed Y. Hanfi, M. I. Sayyed, Ragaa El Sheikh, Hend A. Radwan, Fatma S. Hassen and Mohamed A. Gado

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(13), 2305; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12132305 - 5 Jul 2022

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 2823

Abstract

Considering how important rare earth elements (REEs) are for many different industries, it is important to separate them from other elements. An extractant that binds to REEs inexpensively and selectively even in the presence of interfering ions can be used to develop a [...] Read more.

Considering how important rare earth elements (REEs) are for many different industries, it is important to separate them from other elements. An extractant that binds to REEs inexpensively and selectively even in the presence of interfering ions can be used to develop a useful separation method. This work was designed to recover REEs from spent nickel–metal hydride batteries using ammonium sulfate. The chemical composition of the Ni–MH batteries was examined. The operating leaching conditions of REE extraction from black powder were experimentally optimized. The optimal conditions for the dissolution of approximately 99.98% of REEs and almost all zinc were attained through use of a 300 g/L (NH₄)₂SO₄ concentration after 180 min of leaching time and a 1:3 solid/liquid phase ratio at 120 °C. The kinetic data fit the chemical control model. The separation of total REEs and zinc was conducted under traditional conditions to produce both metal values in marketable forms. The work then shifted to separate cerium as an individual REE through acid baking with HCl, thus leaving pure cerium behind. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Environmental Remediation)

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15 pages, 4268 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hierarchical TiO₂ Layers Prepared by Plasma Jets

by Radek Zouzelka, Jiri Olejnicek, Petra Ksirova, Zdenek Hubicka, Jan Duchon, Ivana Martiniakova, Barbora Muzikova, Martin Mergl, Martin Kalbac, Libor Brabec, Milan Kocirik, Monika Remzova, Eva Vaneckova and Jiri Rathousky

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(12), 3254; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11123254 - 30 Nov 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1983

Abstract

Heterogeneous photocatalysis of TiO₂ is one of the most efficient advanced oxidation processes for water and air purification. Here, we prepared hierarchical TiO₂ layers (Spikelets) by hollow-cathode discharge sputtering and tested their photocatalytic performance in the abatement of inorganic (NO, NO [...] Read more.

Heterogeneous photocatalysis of TiO₂ is one of the most efficient advanced oxidation processes for water and air purification. Here, we prepared hierarchical TiO₂ layers (Spikelets) by hollow-cathode discharge sputtering and tested their photocatalytic performance in the abatement of inorganic (NO, NO₂) and organic (4-chlorophenol) pollutant dispersed in air and water, respectively. The structural-textural properties of the photocatalysts were determined via variety of physico-chemical techniques (XRD, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, FE-SEM. DF-TEM, EDAX and DC measurements). The photocatalysis was carried out under conditions similar to real environment conditions. Although the abatement of NO and NO₂ was comparable with that of industrial benchmark Aeroxide^® TiO₂ P25, the formation of harmful nitrous acid (HONO) product on the Spikelet TiO₂ layers was suppressed. Similarly, in the decontamination of water by organics, the mineralization of 4-chlorophenol on Spikelet layers was interestingly the same, although their reaction rate constant was three-times lower. The possible explanation may be the more than half-magnitude order higher external quantum efficacy (EQE) compared to that of the reference TiO₂ P25 layer. Therefore, such favorable kinetics and reaction selectivity, together with feasible scale-up, make the hierarchical TiO₂ layers very promising photocatalyst which can be used for environmental remediation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Environmental Remediation)

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11 pages, 2310 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Isotherm and Kinetic Modeling of Strontium Adsorption on Graphene Oxide

by Abdulrahman Abu-Nada, Ahmed Abdala and Gordon McKay

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(11), 2780; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11112780 - 20 Oct 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 2350

Abstract

In this study, graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized using Hummers method. The synthesized GO was characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) nitrogen adsorption. The analyses confirmed the [...] Read more.

In this study, graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized using Hummers method. The synthesized GO was characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) nitrogen adsorption. The analyses confirmed the presence of oxygen functional groups (C=O and C-O-C) on the GO surface. These oxygen functional groups act as active sites in the adsorption Sr (II). The BET analysis revealed the surface area of GO of 232 m²/g with a pore volume of 0.40 cm³/g. The synthesized GO was used as an adsorbent for removing Sr (II) from aqueous solutions. The adsorption equilibrium and kinetic results were consistent with the Langmuir isotherm model and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. A maximum strontium adsorption capacity of 131.4 mg/g was achieved. The results show that the GO has an excellent adsorption capability for removing Sr (II) from aqueous solutions and potential use in wastewater treatment applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Environmental Remediation)

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13 pages, 2043 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Removal of Ampicillin by Heterogeneous Photocatalysis: Combined Experimental and DFT Study

by Lenka Belhacova, Hana Bibova, Tereza Marikova, Martin Kuchar, Radek Zouzelka and Jiri Rathousky

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(8), 1992; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11081992 - 3 Aug 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2686

Abstract

A long-term exposition of antibiotics represents a serious problem for the environment, especially for human health. Heterogeneous photocatalysis opens a green way for their removal. Here, we correlated the structural-textural properties of TiO₂ photocatalysts with their photocatalytic performance in ampicillin abatement. The [...] Read more.

A long-term exposition of antibiotics represents a serious problem for the environment, especially for human health. Heterogeneous photocatalysis opens a green way for their removal. Here, we correlated the structural-textural properties of TiO₂ photocatalysts with their photocatalytic performance in ampicillin abatement. The tested nanoparticles included anatase and rutile and their defined mixtures. The nominal size range varied from 5 to 800 nm, Aeroxide P25 serving as an industrial benchmark reference. The degradation mechanism of photocatalytic ampicillin abatement was studied by employing both experimental (UPLC/MS/MS, hydroxyl radical scavenger) and theoretical (quantum calculations) approaches. Photocatalytic activity increased with the increasing particle size, generally, anatase being more active than rutile. Interestingly, in the dark, the ampicillin concentration decreased as well, especially in the presence of very small nanoparticles. Even if the photolysis of ampicillin was negligible, a very high degree of mineralization of antibiotic was achieved photocatalytically using the smallest nanoparticles of both allotropes and their mixtures. Furthermore, for anatase samples, the reaction rate constant increases with increasing crystallite size, while the degree of mineralization decreases. Importantly, the suggested degradation pathway mechanism determined by DFT modeling was in very good agreement with experimentally detected reaction products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Environmental Remediation)

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17 pages, 6247 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Facile Synthesis of g-C₃N₄/MoO₃ Nanohybrid for Efficient Removal of Aqueous Diclofenac Sodium

by Jamshaid Rashid, Faryal Saleemi, Bilal Akram, Lin Wang, Naveed Hussain and Ming Xu

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(6), 1564; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11061564 - 14 Jun 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3387

Abstract

Graphitic carbon nitride modified by molybdenum trioxide (g-C₃N_4/MoO₃) as a nanohybrid was synthesized by co-precipitation method. Here, g-C₃N₄/MoO₃ nanohybrid was used for the first time as an adsorbent for the pharmaceutical drug, [...] Read more.

Graphitic carbon nitride modified by molybdenum trioxide (g-C₃N_4/MoO₃) as a nanohybrid was synthesized by co-precipitation method. Here, g-C₃N₄/MoO₃ nanohybrid was used for the first time as an adsorbent for the pharmaceutical drug, diclofenac, (an aqueous micropollutant) from water to mitigate its possible environmental toxic effects. Compared to pristine components, the nanohybrid exhibited better adsorptive removal of diclofenac. Adsorption was enhanced with increment in MoO₃ content from 1 to 3 wt %; however further increment in MoO₃ content resulted in lower adsorption capacity due to agglomeration of MoO₃ particles over g-C₃N₄. 162 mg g⁻¹ adsorption capacity was achieved for 300 mg L⁻¹ diclofenac in solution with 1 g L⁻¹ adsorbent at pH = 6. Adsorption of diclofenac over g-C₃N₄ /MoO₃ followed pseudo 2nd order kinetics. Temkin, Langmuir, Dubinin Radushkevich and Freundlich isotherm models were applied on the experimental results concluding that diclofenac adsorption over g-C₃N₄/MoO₃ followed the Langmuir isotherm. The adsorption mechanism could be explained by the π–π interaction between aromatic rings of diclofenac and g-C₃N₄/MoO₃ (3%) nanohybrid, which is also evident by the FTIR results. This study presents the facile fabrication of a 2nd generation adsorbent for the treatment of diclofenac contaminated water that may as well help achieve the removal of other micropollutants form water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Environmental Remediation)

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13 pages, 3034 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Highly Hydrophobic Polydimethylsiloxane-Coated Expanded Vermiculite Sorbents for Selective Oil Removal from Water

by Duc Cuong Nguyen, Trung Tuyen Bui, Yeong Beom Cho and Yong Shin Kim

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(2), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11020367 - 2 Feb 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3253

Abstract

Naturally abundant vermiculite clay was expanded by using an aqueous solution of H₂O₂ and its surface was modified with ultra-thin polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) using facile thermal vapor deposition to prepare an ecologically friendly, low-cost oil sorbent that plays an important role [...] Read more.

Naturally abundant vermiculite clay was expanded by using an aqueous solution of H₂O₂ and its surface was modified with ultra-thin polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) using facile thermal vapor deposition to prepare an ecologically friendly, low-cost oil sorbent that plays an important role in oil spillage remediation. The resulting PDMS-coated expanded vermiculite (eVMT@PDMS) particles exhibited adequate hydrophobicity and oleophilicity for oil/water separation, with numerous conical slit pores (a size of 0.1–100 μm) providing a great sorption capacity and an efficient capillarity-driven flow pathway for oil collection. Simply with using a physically-packed eVMT@PDMS tube (or pouch), selective oil removals were demonstrated above and beneath the surface of the water. Furthermore, these sorbents were successfully integrated and then applied to the advanced oil-collecting devices such as a barrel-shaped oil skimmer and a self-primed oil pump. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Environmental Remediation)

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