Preparation, characterization, and applications of polyacrylonitrile/ball clay nanocomposite synthesized by gamma radiation.

Elimination of hazardous metals is of extreme worry for their toxicity at trace levels and accumulation in the biosystem. Polyacrylonitrile ball clay nanocomposite was prepared by gamma irradiation at 20 kGy. Different analytical tools were applied to prove morphology, functional groups, and chemical structure for prepared composite; SEM, TEM, IR, XRD, and XRF. From TEM and XRD data expose the studied composite has nanoscale and crystalline. The adsorption of Cs⁺, Co²⁺ and Fe³⁺ onto studied material took place after 24 h. Second order was preceded by the kinetic system. The capacity and effect of pH on k_d reflect selectivity sequence; Co²⁺ > Fe³⁺ > > Cs⁺. Both Freundlich and Langmuir are applicable for investigated material. Finally, PAN/BC nanocomposite is suitable for the column technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]