Surface-Enhanced Biocompatibility and Adsorption Capacity of a Zirconium Phosphate-Coated Polyaniline Composite

Abstract

The present study deals with the synthesis, characterization, and testing of a novel composite, zirconium(IV) phosphate-coated polyaniline (ZrPO 4 @PANI), toward the adsorption- and surface-controlled toxicity applications. Following the synthesis of the ZrPO 4 @PANI composite using the sol–gel route, various characterization techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction were employed to confirm its surface functionality, morphology and agglomeration, and crystallinity and crystal nature, respectively. The composite was found to be effective toward the adsorptive removal of the methylene blue dye (an organic pollutant) as against the changes in the dye concentration, dose, pH, and so forth. Also, to understand the MB adsorption kinetics, the experimental data were evaluated using the Langmuir and Freundlich models and the results were described in accordance with the Langmuir isotherm model (an adsorption capacity of 120.48 mg/g at ambient temperature). In addition, the tests conducted using pseudo-first- and pseudo-second-order kinetic models confirmed the existence of pseudo-second-order rates. Furthermore, the calculation of thermodynamic parameters for the MB adsorption, namely, changes in enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs’ free energy, exhibited a spontaneous, feasible, and exothermic nature. Finally, the comparative studies of in vitro toxicity and flow cytometry confirmed that the copresence of ZrPO 4 along with PANI significantly improved the biocompatibility. The outcome of the experimental results implies that the composite is capable enough of serving as the safe and low-cost adsorbent, in addition to supporting the effective capping of the surface toxicity of PANI.

Mussel-Inspired Surface Modification of α-Zirconium Phosphate Nanosheets for Anchoring Efficient and Reusable Ultrasmall Au Nanocatalysts

“…Similar to graphene, α-zirconium phosphate (ZrP) is also within the family of twodimensional (2D) materials. ZrP is easier to prepare with a lower cost and higher biocompatibility compared to the expensive graphene and derivatives with potential toxicity to living organisms [32]. Consequently, ZrP has also been intensively investigated as a support material of active components due to their unique two-dimensional (2D) structure, surface properties, and application potentials in the fabrication of photocatalysts [33], electrocatalysts [34], catalysts [18], and other functional materials [35], as well as in the immobilization of antibacterial agents [36].…”

Fluoride contamination, consequences and removal techniques in water: a review

“…The adsorption method involves particle accumulation from the bulk segment to the solid or liquid segment and is treated as a boundary phenomenon. 211 On the surface of adsorbents, a substance layer is formed, which is known as adsorption. Thus, the method of adsorption can be explained in the following steps.…”

Zirconium Phosphate-Incorporated Polyaniline–Graphene Oxide Composite Modified Electrodes for Effective and Selective Detection of Nitrite

“…35 The cationic polyaniline (PANI) established electrostatic interactions with the anionically charged zirconium phosphate, thereby fostering the formation of a nanocomposite characterized by augmented electrocatalytic and bioelectrocatalytic attributes. 36 The modified Hummers method was employed for the synthesis of graphene oxide (GO), which was subsequently subjected to in situ polymerization with aniline in the presence of ammonium persulfate as the initiator. 37 Hydrothermally synthesized zirconium phosphate was incorporated with the synthesized PG composite using a sonochemical method.…”

“…It also reduced nanoparticle aggregation and promoted the composite’s electrocatalytic activity . The cationic polyaniline (PANI) established electrostatic interactions with the anionically charged zirconium phosphate, thereby fostering the formation of a nanocomposite characterized by augmented electrocatalytic and bioelectrocatalytic attributes . The modified Hummers method was employed for the synthesis of graphene oxide (GO), which was subsequently subjected to in situ polymerization with aniline in the presence of ammonium persulfate as the initiator .…”