Synthesis of lactic acid-Zr(IV) phosphate nanocomposite ion exchanger for green remediation

Lactic acid-Zr(IV) phosphate nanocomposite (LA/ZPNC) ion exchanger was synthesised by sol-gel method. The nanocomposite ion exchanger was characterized by different techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTA/DSC). LA/ZPNC was employed for different physicochemical properties such as ion exchange capacity, elution behaviour, effect of eluent concentration, pH titration and thermal stability. The ion exchange capacity of LA/ZPNC was higher as compared to their inorganic counterpart. pH results indicate the bifunctional nature of nanocomposite. A degradation efficiency of 89.47 % was attained in 4 h of illumination. The distribution coefficient (K (d)) studies of LA/ZPNC ion exchanger were investigated for eight different metal ions and found more selective for Al3+ with higher K (d) value. It was explored for photocatalytic study of methylene blue under solar illumination.