Preparation of a Magnetic Composite Based on Cellulose Nanocrystals and Polyvinyl Alcohol and its Efficient Use for Removal of Nickel and Zinc Ions from Aqueous Solutions

Abstract

Heavy metals are harmful ions and their removal from wastewater has attracted a growing attention amongst the scientific researchers in current decade. In this study, pea peels were used as precursor to purify cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). Polyvinyl alcohol/ CNCs magnetic composite was developed as a novel bioadsorbent for adsorption of Ni (II) and Zn (II) ions from aqueous solutions. Results revealed that the adsorption efficiency of the examined ions by PVA/CNCs magnetic composite largely increased with increasing contact time. The equilibrium adsorption capacity was 4.19 and 4.00 mg g-1 for Ni (II) and Zn (II), respectively. The highest removal percentages for Ni (II) and Zn (II) were 83.86 and 80.13, respectively at initial concentration of 10 µg/ml. The FTIR and SEM EDX analysis were performed before and after Ni (II) and Zn (II) sorption on the PVA/cellulose beads, validating that the-OH groups played a chief role in sorption process. Finally, it could be concluded that PVA/cellulose magnetic composite is a promising adsorbent for removing Ni (II) and Zn (II) ions from wastewater.