A multifunctional nanocomposite pectin thorium(IV) tungstomolybdate for heavy metal separation and photoremediation of malachite green.

The nanocomposite pectin thorium(IV) tungstomolybdate (Pc/TWM) has been prepared by incorporating pectin biopolymer within thorium(IV) tungstomolybdate, precipitated at 80˚C. The synthesized nanocomposite material was characterized using scanning transmission electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The binary mixture separations of heavy metal ions have been performed proficiently on the columns of Pc/TWM. The synthesized nanocomposite was exploited for removal of malachite green from the aqueous system under two set of conditions. The synergistic/adsorptional photocatalysis conditions were found to be more efficient than equilibrium adsorption followed by photocatalysis in the dark. The Pc/TWM also showed promising antibacterial activity against the bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus. Thus, the nanocomposite material can be used as an adsorbent for the remediation of harmful metals and dye pollutants from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]