Ultrahigh and rapid removal of Ni²⁺ using a novel polymer-zeolite-biochar tri-composite through one-pot synthesis...

In this work, a novel adsorbent from alginate, zeolite and biochar has been made through one-pot synthesis route with highly compatible Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate (SDS) modification. This gave ultra-high Ni²⁺ removal of 1205 mg/g in batch mode while treating almost 200 L of solution in column mode with 1171 mg/g capacity, which are the one of the highest reported values. The Point of Zero Charge (pH_zpc) for Ni²⁺ removal was determined to be 5, with optimal removal efficiency being observed at pH 7, indicating a negative surface charge of the ABPC beads, which aligns with the anionic charge provided by SDS enhancement. Mechanistic studies have been done to show the most prominent mechanisms of metal removal besides demonstrating stability up to 20 cylces with desorption efficiency as high as 97%. The adsorbent is found to be highly cost effective at 1.87USD per kg.