Utilization of Polypyrrole/ZnO Nanocomposite in the Adsorptive Removal of Cu2+, Pb2+ and Cd2+ Ions from Wastewater

The present study was demonstrated the synthesis, characterization, and utilization of Polypyrrole/ZnO (Polypy/ZnO) nanocomposite in the removal of divalent copper, lead, and cadmium ions from aqueous solutions. Leaves extract of Mangifera indica has been used to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and green synthesized ZnO NPs incorporated in the polypyrrole system for enhancing metal loading capacity. Synthesized Polypy/ZnO was characterized using FT-IR, P-XRD, FE-SEM, and EDX methods. Maximum adsorption of copper, lead, and cadmium ions have been found at contact time 50 minutes, dosage 1 g, and pH 6, respectively. The Langmuir equilibrium constants were 6.75, 7.19, and 7.59 L/g for Cu2+, Pb2+, and Cd2+ ions. The desorption constants for the adsorptive removal of Cu2+, Pb2+, and Cd2+ ions by using Polypy/ZnO were evaluated from the Elovich model as 1.96, 1.68, and 1.17 g/mg, respectively.