Nanocomposite zirconium phosphoborate ion-exchanger incorporating carbon nanotubes with photocatalytic activity

A new form of nanocomposite zirconium phosphoborate (ZrPB) ion exchanger incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has been fabricated and studied. Commercial purity CNTs were used as dopant in ZrPB matrix. The topography and morphology of the composite has been explored with the help of scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The microscopy results confirm the spherical nature and 2-5 nm size of ZrPB particles. CNTs are well reinforced evenly in ZrPB matrix. Multifunctionality of the nanocomposite ion exchange material has been studied for electrochemical characteristics as well as for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye.