Surface Engineered Zeolite: An Active Interface for Rapid Adsorption and Degradation of Toxic Contaminants in Water

Abstract

Zeolite has been surface modified to form novel multifunctional materials having capability for simultaneous and facile removal of heavy metals [Pb(II)], organic pollutants [methylene blue dye], and microorganisms [E. Coli, S. Aureus, and Pseudomonas] from contaminated water. The unique concept involves formation of core-shell particles with a functional core of zeolite and a porous shell of ZnO nanoflakes which not only imparts photocatalytic and antibacterial properties but also renders the surface negatively charged, thereby facilitating rapid adsorption of Pb(II) and MB. The uniform formation of ZnO nanoflakes (shell) on the zeolite (core) surface has been confirmed by XRD, DRS, FE-SEM, and TEM studies. Metal ion adsorption studies under varying conditions of time and concentration indicate that the material follows the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetics with good correlation to the experimental data. The rapid and high adsorption capacity of the material for both Pb (II) and MB has been established while factors responsible for enhanced adsorption have been discussed. The antibacterial studies against Gram negative bacteria (E. Coli and Pseudomonas) and Gram positive bacteria (S. Aureus) showed good zone inhibition characteristics. The material can be regenerated and reused besides having ease of separation using simple techniques. Being multifunctional, efficient, nontoxic, energy neutral, and recyclable with no effluent generation, the material is an efficient and sustainable alternative for water purification.

Creating Synergy of Microporous Hydrophilic–Organophilic Surfaces in Zeolite@Nano‐Titania Particles for Rapid Removal of Diverse Pollutants in Water

“…Pb(II) ions form complex with EDTA and give absorbance spectra at 242 nm. [ 18 ] Concentration variation and time variation studies were conducted to determine the adsorption dynamics.…”

Recent Advances in the Disinfection of Water Using Nanoscale Antimicrobial Materials

“…E) TEM of zeolite@ZnO core−shell particles (Ze/ZnO CSPs). Reproduced with permission . Copyright 2016, American Chemical Society.…”

“…Shaw et al fabricated ZnO nanoflakes on a zeolite surface, and the resulting materials could be easily separated using simple techniques. The uniform distribution on the surface and edges of zeolite particles (Figure E) leads to an increase in the surface area and pore volume, thereby improving the absorption ability and antibacterial performance . To further improve the surface area, palladium–zinc oxide nanofibers were synthesized by covering the surface of the Pd substrate with Zn nanowires (ZNWs) (Figure F).…”

Preparation of porous monoliths via CO2‐in‐water HIPEs template and the in situ growth of metal organic frameworks on it for multiple applications

“…With the rapid development of industry, various environmental pollution problems become increasingly outstanding; especially the pollution of water by heavy metal ions, bacteria, and organic dyes. Heavy metal ions are nonbiodegradable, they accumulated in the biosphere and further entered into organism through the food chain, and organic dyes in wastewater created water pollution and even harm human health, whereas bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli are main source of various diseases in human, all of these have posed enormous threat to ecological environment and human health. Therefore, kinds of technologies have been developed to handle these water pollutions, including adsorption, filtration, flocculation, chlorination, and photochemical disinfection .…”