Titanium oxide-bacterial cellulose bioadsorbent for the removal of lead ions from aqueous solution

In the current study, nanocomposites of bacterial cellulose (BC) and amorphous TiO2 were prepared and characterized. The nanocomposites were evaluated as adsorbent for the removal of lead (Pb) from aqueous solution. The different reactions conditions such as pH, equilibrium time, temperature, adsorbent dose and possible recycling of adsorbent were studied. The nanocomposites were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The characterization results confirmed the formation of nanocomposites. Moreover, BC modified with 3 wt% TiO2 showed best results for the removal of Pb ions from aqueous solution. TiO2-BC nanocomposites remove Pb in concentration of 100 mg/L with removal efficiency above 90% in 120 min at pH 7 and room temperature. The adsorbent was recycled, and no profound decrease of efficiency was observed till three cycles of use. Desorption studies were also carried out for the reusability of the adsorbent. The adsorbent was found efficient, stable and reusable for the removal of lead in environmental water samples.