Preparation and Performance Study of Lignin-Zinc Oxide Nanocomposite as a Lead Adsorbent

In this study, lignin extracted from waste frond of palm, coated with zinc dioxide nanoparticles prepared by dispersing both materials separately, and then mixed together, the prepared product called lead-absorbing polymeric composite denoted as LG-ZnO nanocomposite. The preparation details of the composite were specified, including the weight, type of solvent, pH value, time-temperature of mixing, and drying process. These experiments determined the optimal process conditions to prepared composite and achieved a high lead adsorption capacity of the LG-ZnO nanocomposite. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX), and the X-ray diffraction (XRD) were performed to describe the prepared adsorbent. The removal percentage (R%) of lead and the adsorption capacity (qe, qt) each LG as a control were calculated and compared with LG-ZnO nanocomposite using adsorption equations after examining the atomic absorption spectroscopy of the simulated lead solution, where (qe, qt) represent adsorption capacity (up take) at equilibrium and time respectively according examed parameters, initial concentration and contact time under conditions pH= ۴, and standard temperature (۲۵ ºC). The removal percentage results were satisfied while compared with LG adsorption under same conditions. These results indicated that the used technique of preparing LG-ZnO nanocomposite is both viable and environmentally benign. The obtained LG-ZnO nanocomposite showed better response compared with LG. Although lignin is known as an effective adsorbent, Lignin-Zinc oxide nanocomposite is higher performance as adsorbent and has significant potential for widespread applications in the separation of lead in water.

Keywords:

lignin , nano-metal oxid , Nanocomposite , Characterization , Adsorption