Study of Metal Oxide Based Composites for Removal of Heavy Metal Ions

In the modern era, the rise of water contamination has emerged as a prominent global issue, affecting a wide range of habitats, from freshwater reservoirs to expansive oceans. This mounting problem is driven by a multitude of factors, including discharges from industries, agricultural pollutants, and rapid urban growth[1]. The repercussions of water pollution extend well beyond immediate environments, casting profound impacts on both contemporary societies and those of the future. The detrimental outcomes on human well-being, aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity, and socio-economic equilibrium underscore the urgency of addressing this issue. Grasping the interconnectivity of aquatic systems is pivotal as we navigate the intricate consequences and strive for sustainable remedies on a global scale[2]. To identify a suitable method for curbing the effects of water pollution, a comprehensive literature survey was conducted, between metals such as Iron, Zinc, Aluminium, Copper, Silver, and more[3]. It was determined that Aluminium oxide nanoparticles are the most suitable choice due to some of their attractive properties, like high specific surface area, thermal stability, high selectivity, and low toxicity. Furthermore, the methods of synthesizing Aluminium oxide nanoparticles were studied, and it was found that Solution Combustion Synthesis (SCS) is the optimal method, as the particles exhibit high porosity, a crystalline structure, and a near-uniform particle size. The nanoparticles were synthesized using two fuels-glycine and sucrose separately and then combined in a stoichiometric ratio for comparative studies.