Effectiveness of a biogenic composite derived from cattle horn core/iron nanoparticles via wet chemical impregnation for cadmium (II) removal in aqueous solution.

Abstract The objective of the current study was focused on the potential adsorption capability of a biogenic hydroxyapatite/iron nanoparticles-based composite tailored for the elimination of toxic pollutant, Cd(II) ions. Morphological along with physicochemical properties of composites were analyzed by different techniques including Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). It has been noticed an increase in cell parameters of prepared composites with an increase in the amount of nanoparticles. The best adsorbent was found to be the one with a 5% amount of nanoparticles (P400Fe(5%)). The kinetics studies have shown that the pseudo-first-order-models were in good agreement for the removal of Cd(II) ions onto P400Fe(5%) at any concentration, suggesting a physisorption mechanism. Besides, isotherms analysis has consistently revealed Freundlich as the model better explained the isotherm data, with a maximum removal capacity of 392.3 mg g-1, higher compared to many adsorbents. Thermodynamically, the removal adsorption process of Cd(II) ions onto the composite favorable, exothermic, and spontaneous. The regeneration study has been also investigated with reusability used until four cycles. The overall results pointed out the suitability and efficiency of the prepared biogenic composite for the elimination of metal pollutants in wastewater.