Cerium oxide nanoparticle functionalized lignin as a nano-biosorbent for efficient phosphate removal
Xiaohuan Liu1,2, Xia He3, Jiantao Zhang2
1Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University 388 Yuhangtong Road Hangzhou 310058 PR China.
RSC Advances
|May 2, 2022
Summary
A new, affordable nano-biosorbent, L-NH2@Ce, effectively removes excess phosphorus from water. This material significantly enhances phosphate capture, offering a stable and reusable solution for preventing eutrophication.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Eutrophication, caused by excess phosphorus, is a major water quality issue.
- Developing efficient and cost-effective phosphate adsorbents remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and characterize a novel nano-biosorbent for efficient phosphate removal from contaminated water.
- To evaluate the adsorption capacity, stability, and reusability of the developed material.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of L-NH2@Ce by loading cerium oxide nanoparticles (nano-CeO2) within aminated lignin via in situ precipitation.
- Characterization of surface area (BET) and pore volume.
- Phosphate adsorption experiments and leaching tests across a pH range of 4-9.
- Evaluation of reusability through multiple adsorption-desorption cycles.
Main Results:
- L-NH2@Ce exhibited a BET surface area of 89.8 m2 g-1 and a pore volume of 0.23 cm3 g-1.
- Adsorption capacity increased 14-fold to 27.86 mg g-1 compared to lignin.
- Effectively reduced phosphate concentration from 10 ppm to below the WHO standard of 0.5 ppm.
- Negligible cerium ion leakage and retained 90% removal efficiency after two cycles.
Conclusions:
- L-NH2@Ce is a promising, inexpensive nano-biosorbent for efficient phosphate removal.
- The material demonstrates high stability, reusability, and minimal environmental risk.
- This offers a viable solution for mitigating water eutrophication.
