Cu(II) ions removal from wastewater using starch nanoparticles (SNPs): An eco‐sustainable approach

Abstract

The complex structured starch particles were reduced to the nanoscale size range through hydrolysis utilizing low concentration acid assisted by ultrasound irradiation. The synthesized starch nanoparticles (SNPs) were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The synthesized SNPs possessed surface activated entities, as many cationic functional groups were confirmed through the FTIR spectrum. Also, these SNPs were effectively utilized to separate heavy Cu metal ions from the synthetic ion solution. The SNPs were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis for the surface modification after the adsorption process. The weak electrostatic interaction between the SNP surface and Cu ion was confirmed by the XPS spectrum and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The maximum efficiency of Cu ions removal was about 93% at an optimal pH 5 and 25 mg/ml dosage. The adsorption equilibrium was obtained in 60 min. The nitrogen isotherm BET analysis of SNPs after adsorption shows a higher specific surface area of 18.552 m2/g, attributed to the interaction and presence of Cu ions on the SNP surface. The process feasibility was validated by the Langmuir isotherm model. The process exhibits pseudo‐second‐order adsorption kinetics and follows the Langmuir isotherm. The RL predicted by the Langmuir isotherm mechanism is 0.017, implying favourable adsorption. The process is reproducible and allows for the separation of heavy metal ions from the wastewater through biosorption effectively.

A New Approach of Complexing Polymers Used for the Removal of Cu2+ Ions

“…The challenges and future perspectives integrate the promising role of green technologies in the removal of existing inorganic contaminants from wastewater [3]. For this purpose, green technologies provide promising alternatives in wastewater depollution processes [4][5][6]. At the same time, current trends use vegetable materials as well as conventional resins for retention following a modification process in order to improve their adsorption capacity [7].…”