Abstract:
The increasing contamination of water resources by toxic heavy metals, synthetic dyes, and emerging pharmaceutical pollutants has become a major environmental and public health concern. Among these contaminants, hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is particularly hazardous because of its high toxicity, carcinogenic nature, and persistence in aquatic systems. In this work, a novel ternary nanocomposite consisting of polypyrrole (PPy), molybdenum disulfide (MoS?), and ZIF-67 was synthesized and investigated as an efficient multifunctional material for wastewater treatment applications. The composite integrates the excellent electrical conductivity and redox activity of PPy, the large surface area and metal-ion affinity of MoS?, and the highly porous framework and tunable chemistry of ZIF-67.
The synergistic interaction among these components results in enhanced adsorption capacity, rapid pollutant uptake, and improved stability during repeated treatment cycles. The prepared nanocomposite demonstrated remarkable potential for the removal of Cr(VI) ions through a combination of adsorption, surface complexation, and redox-assisted reduction mechanisms. In addition to chromium removal, the material exhibited strong affinity toward organic dyes and pharmaceutical residues, highlighting its versatility in treating complex wastewater streams. Furthermore, the photocatalytic properties of the composite under visible-light irradiation contribute to the degradation of persistent organic contaminants, thereby improving overall treatment efficiency.
The combination of high porosity, abundant active sites, and excellent reusability makes PPy–MoS?/ZIF-67 a promising candidate for sustainable water purification technologies. This study provides valuable insights into the design of advanced hybrid nanomaterials capable of addressing multiple classes of pollutants simultaneously. The developed nanocomposite offers an eco-friendly and cost-effective strategy for integrated wastewater treatment and environmental remediation.
Biography:
Saima is currently pursuing an M.Tech in Nanotechnology at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) after completing her Master’s degree in Chemistry. Her research interests focus on nanomaterials, environmental remediation, advanced functional composites, and sustainable water treatment technologies. She has achieved an All India Rank (AIR) 702 in IIT-JAM, demonstrating strong academic excellence. Saima was selected for a fully funded poster presentation opportunity at IIT Bombay and has also been accepted to present her work at the Green Chemistry Seminar in Barcelona, Spain. She is passionate about developing innovative nanotechnology-based solutions for environmental and societal challenges.
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