Coal Fly Ash Decorated with Graphene Oxide-Tungsten Oxide Nanocomposite for Rapid Removal of Pb2+Ions and Reuse of Spent Adsorbent for Photocatalytic Degradation of Acetaminophen

Emmanuel Christopher Umejuru, Eswaran Prabakaran, Kriveshini Pillay

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

34 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Coal fly ash was decorated with a graphene oxide-tungsten oxide nanorods nanocomposite (CFA/GO/WO3NRs nanocomposite) via a hydrothermal method and applied for the remediation of lead (Pb2+ ions). The Pb2+ ion-loaded spent adsorbent (CFA/GO/WO3NRs + Pb2+ nanocomposite) was reused for the photodegradation of acetaminophen. CFA/GO/WO3NRs + Pb2+ nanocomposite displayed rapid removal of Pb2+ ions. Pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Langmuir isotherm model described the adsorption data. The adsorption capacity of the CFA/GO/WO3NRs nanocomposite was 41.51 mg/g for the removal of Pb2+ ions. Additionally, the Pb2+ ion-loaded spent adsorbent significantly influenced the degradation of acetaminophen by photocatalysis where 93% degradation was observed. It is worthy to note the reuse application of Pb2+ ion-loaded spent adsorbent as a photocatalyst, which will significantly reduce the secondary waste obtained from conventional adsorption methods.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)11155-11172
Number of pages18
JournalACS Omega
Volume6
Issue number17
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 4 May 2021

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • General Chemical Engineering

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