Fast and effective removal of iron (ΙΙΙ) ions from aqueous solutions using bentonite/nanochitosan nanocomposite

Abstract

In this research, bentonite/nanochitosan nanocomposite was synthesized and used as an adsorbent to remove iron (ΙΙΙ) ions from aqueous solutions. The structural features and morphology of the nanocomposite surface were evaluated using FT-IR, XRD, and SEM methods. The effect of important parameters on the removal of iron (ΙΙΙ) ions, including the effect of pH, contact time, and the amount of adsorbent was investigated, and the highest removal efficiency of 99% was obtained in the amount of adsorbent of 0.003 g, pH = 4, and contact time of 20 min. investigation of adsorption isotherms showed that the Langmuir model had the best agreement with the equilibrium data and the maximum adsorption capacity was determined to be 333.33 mg/g of the adsorbent. According to kinetic studies, the removal process of iron (ΙΙΙ) ions by nanocomposite follows the pseudo-second order kinetic model and the removal rate is high Based on the findings, bentonite/nanochitosan nanocomposite with advantages such as high absorption capacity, short reaction time and compatibility with the environment, is an effective and strong adsorbent in removal of iron (ΙΙΙ) ions from aqueous solutions.

Keywords

• bentonite
• nanochitosan
• iron (ιιι)
• adsorption isotherm
• kinetic