Ultrahigh and rapid removal of Ni using a novel polymer-zeolite-biochar tri-composite through one-pot synthesis route.

In this work, a novel adsorbent from alginate, zeolite and biochar has been made through one-pot synthesis route with highly compatible Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate (SDS) modification. This gave ultra-high Ni removal of 1205 mg/g in batch mode while treating almost 200 L of solution in column mode with 1171 mg/g capacity, which are the one of the highest reported values. The Point of Zero Charge (pH) for Ni removal was determined to be 5, with optimal removal efficiency being observed at pH 7, indicating a negative surface charge of the ABPC beads, which aligns with the anionic charge provided by SDS enhancement.