Sustainable Zeolite-Silver Nanocomposites via Green Methods for Water Contaminant Mitigation and Modeling Approaches

Álvaro de Jesús Ruíz-Baltazar; Simón Yobanny Reyes-López; Néstor Méndez-Lozano; Nahum Andrés Medellín-Castillo; Ramiro Pérez

doi:10.3390/nano14030258

Sustainable Zeolite-Silver Nanocomposites via Green Methods for Water Contaminant Mitigation and Modeling Approaches

Nanomaterials (Basel). 2024 Jan 25;14(3):258. doi: 10.3390/nano14030258.

Authors

Álvaro de Jesús Ruíz-Baltazar^{1

2}, Simón Yobanny Reyes-López², Néstor Méndez-Lozano³, Nahum Andrés Medellín-Castillo⁴, Ramiro Pérez⁵

Affiliations

¹ CONAHCYT-Centro de Física Aplicada y Tecnología Avanzada, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Santiago de Querétaro 76230, Mexico.
² Laboratorio de Materiales Híbridos Nanoestructurados, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Departamento de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Anillo Envolvente del Pronaf y Estocolmo s/n, Zona Pronaf, Ciudad Juárez 32310, Mexico.
³ Campus Querétaro, Universidad del Valle de México, Blvd. Juriquilla No. 1000 A Del., Santa Rosa Jáuregui 76230, Mexico.
⁴ Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Dr. Manuel Nava No. 8, Zona Universitaria, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico.
⁵ Instituto de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad s/n, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico.

Abstract

This study explores cutting-edge and sustainable green methodologies and technologies for the synthesis of functional nanomaterials, with a specific focus on the removal of water contaminants and the application of kinetic adsorption models. Our research adopts a conscientious approach to environmental stewardship by synergistically employing eco-friendly silver nanoparticles, synthesized using Justicia spicigera extract as a biogenic reducing agent, in conjunction with Mexican zeolite to enhance contaminant remediation, particularly targeting Cu²⁺ ions. Structural analysis, utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution scanning and transmission electron microscopy (TEM and SEM), yields crucial insights into nanocomposite structure and morphology. Rigorous linear and non-linear kinetic models, encompassing pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Freundlich, and Langmuir, are employed to elucidate the kinetics and equilibrium behaviors of adsorption. The results underscore the remarkable efficiency of the Zeolite-Ag composite in Cu²⁺ ion removal, surpassing traditional materials and achieving an impressive adsorption rate of 98% for Cu. Furthermore, the Zeolite-Ag composite exhibits maximum adsorption times of 480 min. In the computational analysis, an initial mechanism for Cu²⁺ adsorption on zeolites is identified. The process involves rapid adsorption onto the surface of the Zeolite-Ag NP composite, followed by a gradual diffusion of ions into the cavities within the zeolite structure. Upon reaching equilibrium, a substantial reduction in copper ion concentration in the solution signifies successful removal. This research represents a noteworthy stride in sustainable contaminant removal, aligning with eco-friendly practices and supporting the potential integration of this technology into environmental applications. Consequently, it presents a promising solution for eco-conscious contaminant remediation, emphasizing the utilization of green methodologies and sustainable technologies in the development of functional nanomaterials.

Keywords: Zeolite–silver nanocomposites; contaminant remediation; copper removal; green-synthesized nanoparticles; kinetic adsorption models; sustainable adsorbent.

Grants and funding

This project was funded by the National Council for Humanities, Science, and Technology (CONAHCYT, Mexico) through the “Investigadoras e Investigadores por México-CONAHCYT” program.