Adsorptive removal of V(V) ions using clinoptilolite modified with polypyrrole and iron oxide nanoparticles in column studies

Clinoptilolite modified with polypyrrole and iron oxide nanoparticles (Cln-PPy-Fe3O4) nanocomposite as a potential adsorbent for V (V) ions was prepared via polymerization of pyrrole monomer using FeCl3 oxidant in aqueous medium in which clinoptilolite-Fe3O4 nanoparticles were suspended. The structure and morphology of the prepared adsorbent was analysed with the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM). Column fixed bed studies were performed to test the ability of the adsorbent to remove V (V) ions from aqueous solution. Low values of adsorbent exhaustion rate (AER) and large bed volumes were observed at lower metal ion concentration, higher bed mass and lower flow rate for V(V) removal indicating good performance. The volume of treated water processed at breakthrough point were found to be 0.09; 0.63 and 1.26 L for bed mass of 1, 2.5; and 5 g, respectively. The Yoon-Nelson and Thomas models appropriately described the breakthrough curves.