Design and Fabrication of Polymer Layered Silicate Nanocomposites for Water Purification

Zeolite and cellulose-acetate nanocomposites were fabricated in this study using a combination of melt blending and solution mixing. The nanocomposites were optimized for heavy metal adsorption using spiked lead and cadmium solutions. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Powder X-Ray diffraction crystallography were used for physical characterization. Fourier Transform Infrared spectra showed a reduction of the hydroxyl peak for cellulose acetate and that of the residual silanol group for zeolites symbolizing bonding during nanocomposite formation. Scanning Electron Microscope results showed an increase in voids with zeolite loading in the nanocomposites, a useful characteristic of good adsorbents. Powder X-ray diffraction crystallography results showed a reduction in 2 theta values for the nanocomposites due to penetration of the polymer into the silicate lattice e.g. zeolite 2 theta peak at 7.44° reduced to 7.09° in the nanocomposites signifying an increase in crystal lattice d- spacing from 1.188 nm to 1.247 nm. The nanocomposites adsorbed a maximum of 97.20% lead ions and 85.06% cadmium ions from solution.