Gelatin based nanohybrid ion exchanger for separation of heavy metal ions from water bodies system

Abstract

Abstract newlineGelatin-tin (IV) phosphate (GT/TP) and Gelatin- zirconium dioxide (GT/ZO) nanohybrid ion exchangers were prepared by mixing gelatin with its inorganic counterparts i.e tin (IV) phosphate and zirconium dioxide using sol-gel method. The nanohybrid were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). newlineThe nanohybrid material was explored for different physicochemical properties such as ion exchange capacity, elutent concentration, elution behavior, pH titration and distribution coefficient. The study inferred that the GT/ TP and GT/ZO nanocomposite had higher ion exchange capacities (1.44 meg/g, 0.84 meg/g) than the inorganic counterpart part. The GT/TP and GT/ZO nanohybrid ion exchanger was found thermally stable and retained ion exchange capacity 5.5 meg/g up to 300oC and 1.2 meg/g up to 300oC. The pH studies clearly indicated the monofunctional behavior of nanohybrid ion exchanger. The distribution studies showed the selectivity of Co (II) and Ni (II) ions by the nanohybrid materials. newlineThe photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye was carried out and the study revealed that about 70 % and 82 % of MB was degraded in 4 hours. Based on selective studies some binary separations were also investigated using the potential of GT/ TP and GT/ZO nanocomposite ion exchangers. The membrane electrode was prepared and found mechanically stable with quick response time and could be operated over a wide pH range. newline