A characteristic approach on the synthesis of agro-based nanomaterials and their ability as metal sorbents

Abstract

The present study deals with the development of biodegradable/ bio-renewable/ biocompatible nanocomposites functionalized from agro-waste materials (Modified/ Activated) for the removal of environmentally fabricated toxicants. Agro- waste materials: Azaridachta indica Nut shell (AINS) and Prosopis juliflora barks (PJB) are identified based on their availability, minimal cost and highly effective towards industrial effluents. Two nanocomposites (NCs) are prepared through i) chemical modification (Hydroxyapatite) and ii) Ball Milling (Tungsten Carbide balls). The modified and synthesized NCs are characterized via Fourier Transform, Infra-red Spectroscopy (FTIR), Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The engineered nanocomposites have been effectively employed for removal of Cu(II) / Ni(II) ions and compared with their native precursors through batch equilibration method.