Preparation and Upscaling of Zeolite@TiO₂ Core‐shell for the Removal of Pb(II) and Methylene Blue Dye from Wastewater

Abstract

The present work reports the preparation and adsorption kinetics of a Zeolite@TiO2 multifunctional adsorbent for the removal of heavy metal (Pb(II)) and organic pollutants (methylene blue) from wastewater. The design of the material is a core‐shell having a porous core of zeolite and the surface is supported with the growth of nano TiO2 for a tunable surface and interface designing for efficient wastewater treatment. The formation of Zeolite@TiO2 core‐shell has been characterized by XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, and DRS spectroscopic techniques. BET surface analysis indicated increased surface area for efficient adsorption. The design of multifunctional adsorbent acts as a charged crossing point for quick adsorption and breakdown of pollutants in water. The adsorption of Pb(II) and methylene blue (MB) dye follows the Freundlich adsorption isotherm confirming presence of multilayer of TiO2 in the adsorption process. Complete adsorption for Pb(II) is achieved in 25 minutes whereas MB dye is completely adsorbed within 15 minutes with high adsorption capacities. Photocatalytic degradation activity for MB dye were also analyzed and indicated 30 mg/l was degraded in 10 min. The DRS and photoluminescence life time study support good photocatalytic activity. The regeneration and recyclability of the core‐shell material have also been studied and reported.