Ecofriendly Maghemite/Halloysite-like Nanotubes Nanocomposite for Highly Efficient Removal of Cd(II) from Industrial Wastewater

Abstract

Kaolinite is a widely available and inexpensive substance that has been successfully employed to decontaminate different hazardous contaminants from wastewater by adsorption. In this study, halloysite-like nanotubes (HNTs) were prepared via intercalation followed by ultrasonic rolling of the kaolinite layers. Then, maghemite nanoparticles were co-precipitated within the HNTs matrix to produce a maghemite/HNTs nanocomposite (MG@HNTs). XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR, and a BET analyzer were used to characterize the MG@HNTs nanocomposite, which was then utilized to eliminate Cd(II) from aqueous solutions (water and wastewater). Using a batch methodology, the impact of various adsorption parameters on Cd(II) removal was explored. MG@HNTs nanocomposite exhibited a high adsorption capacity (qe) of 264.47 mg g−1 for Cd (II).