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Titanium dioxide nanoparticles functionalized chitosan toward bio-based antibacterial adsorbent for enhanced
Enmin Zong1, Chengyi Zhang2, Shaoning Wu3
1Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation, School of Life Sciences, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, PR China; School of Earth Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, PR China.
A new eco-friendly, antibacterial adsorbent made of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and chitosan effectively removes phosphate from wastewater. This sustainable material significantly enhances water treatment by preventing eutrophication and biofouling.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Developing sustainable and antibacterial adsorbents is crucial for effective water treatment.
- Chitosan (CS) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) are promising materials for water purification.
- Addressing phosphate pollution is essential for preventing eutrophication in water bodies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare and characterize a novel bio-based antibacterial adsorbent using functionalized chitosan with titanium dioxide nanoparticles.
- To evaluate the adsorption capacity, selectivity, and stability of the CS/TiO2 nanocomposite for phosphate removal.
- To assess the antibacterial properties and practical applicability of the CS/TiO2 nanocomposite in wastewater treatment.
Main Methods:
- In-situ hydrolysis strategy using titanium oxysulfate to synthesize CS/TiO2 nanocomposite.
- Characterization using various analytical techniques.
- Phosphate adsorption experiments following Langmuir isotherm model.
- Evaluation of selectivity in the presence of competing anions and stability across a wide pH range.
- Antibacterial activity tests and application in real sewage water samples.
Main Results:
- The CS/TiO2 nanocomposite demonstrated a phosphate adsorption capacity of 23.64 mg P g⁻¹, significantly higher than CS alone.
- Normalized adsorption capacity per Ti was 102.68 mg P g⁻¹ Ti⁻¹, exceeding that of pure TiO2.
- High selectivity for phosphate removal and stability in pH 3.0-8.0.
- Achieved 99.5% phosphate removal efficiency, meeting USEPA standards, and reduced sewage water phosphate levels below stringent Chinese environmental standards.
- Exhibited excellent antibacterial activity, preventing biofouling.
Conclusions:
- The synthesized CS/TiO2 nanocomposite is a highly efficient, selective, and stable bio-based adsorbent for phosphate removal from wastewater.
- The material's antibacterial properties offer an added advantage for preventing biofouling in water treatment systems.
- This eco-friendly adsorbent shows great potential for sustainable wastewater treatment and eutrophication control.
