Preparation and characterisation of polypyrrole nanoparticles for enhancement of granular activated carbon (GAC) as adsorbent

Background: The adsorption capacity of Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) is being enhanced using various nanoparticles. A special category of nanohybrid materials also called Janus particles have gained huge interest owing to their tunable properties. The purpose of this work is to report on the synthesis and characteristics of a Janus Ppy-GAC nanocomposite with increased functionality to be applied as a robust adsorbent for efficient and simultaneous removal of organic and inorganic pollutants from wastewater. Methods: A novel method for the preparation of Polypyrrole (Ppy) nanoparticles is presented. All materials were characterised using Raman spectroscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Significant findings: Raman spectroscopy of Janus Ppy-GAC nanocomposite depicts peaks for both Ppy and GAC with slight shifts of major peaks denoting a strong interfacial bond between the two phases. Ppy nanoparticles were successfully attached to one side of the GAC surface with relatively strong adhesion forces amounting to 10.8 nN on average. An increase in adhesion forces of 25% was observed when Ppy nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of GAC particles as compared to pristine GAC. This implies that the Janus Ppy-GAC nanocomposite is sufficiently robust to be used as an adsorbent for water treatment. (c) 2021 Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study reports on the synthesis of a Janus Ppy-GAC nanocomposite as a robust adsorbent for efficient removal of organic and inorganic pollutants from wastewater, showing strong interfacial bond between Ppy and GAC. A novel method for preparing Ppy nanoparticles was employed, and materials were characterized using Raman spectroscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy.