Preparation, characterization, and application of polypropylene–clinoptilolite composites for the selective adsorption of lead from aqueous media

• Published in: Journal of colloid and interface science 2011-07, Vol.359 (1), p.210-219
• Main Authors: Motsa, Machawe M., Mamba, Bhekie B., Thwala, Justice M., Msagati, Titus A.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adsorption; Chemistry; Clinoptilolite; composite polymers; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; General and physical chemistry; hydrochloric acid; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Ion-exchange; Lead; Lead - chemistry; Optimization; Polymer matrix composites; Polypropylene; Polypropylenes; Polypropylenes - chemistry; Pretreatment; Scanning electron microscopy; sodium chloride; Surface physical chemistry; Surface Properties; Temperature; Waste water; wastewater; Water - chemistry; water purification; X-ray diffraction; Zeolites - chemistry; Zeolites: preparations and properties
• ISSN: 0021-9797; 1095-7103
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2011.02.067

[Display omitted] ► A clinoptilolite-polypropylene composite for adsorption of lead has been prepared. ►The activation of clinoptilolite before mixing with polypropylene was essential. ► The mechanical strength of polypropylene was not affected by the activation process. ► The adsorption and desorption of lead from aqueous media have been successful. ►The composite can thus be used on a routine basis in water purification systems. A polymer composite of polypropylene (PP) and clinoptilolite (CLI) for the adsorption of lead has been prepared using the melt-mixing compounding technique in a rheomixer. Characterization of the composite was performed using scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunuer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The influence of contact time, pH, initial metal-ion concentration, temperature, and pretreatment on the adsorption of lead (Pb) by the PP–CLI composite was investigated. Optimum pH was found to be between pH 6 and pH 8 while the maximum sorption of lead at optimal pH was 95%. No difference was observed between the adsorption behavior of composites functionalized with 20% and 30% clinoptilolite, respectively, while the pretreatment with HCl and NaCl made a slight difference to the adsorption capacity of composites. The findings from this study on the lead adsorption behavior of CLI–PP composite may have potential applications in wastewater and water purification works.