Fig leaf extract-assisted preparation of nano-TiO2 for adsorptive removal of Pb2+

Abstract
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are one of the most exciting and commonly used nanomaterials today due to their fascinating properties and numerous applications. Green nanoparticle synthesis is commonly used to ensure an environmentally friendly pathway and to identify prospective candidates for applications. In the present investigation, TiO2 NPs were used as adsorbent materials to eliminate Pb(II) from aqueous solutions due to their high adsorption capacity. Fig leaf extract was utilized to synthesize the NPs, which were then characterized. The nanoparticles were found to be pure, evenly dispersed, and anatase in nature. A removal efficiency of 98.75 % was achieved using pH 7, 2 g/L adsorbent dosage, 80-min contact time, 90 ppm initial concentration, and 35 °C. Additionally, adsorption kinetics, mechanisms, isotherms, and thermodynamics were investigated. Based on the results, it was determined that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model was the most appropriate. The Langmuir model accurately represented adsorption by TiO2-NPs, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 56.17 mg g−1. In the isotherm study, it was found that film diffusion is the rate-limiting step in the adsorption process. Moreover, the positive enthalpy of the TiO2-NPs adsorbent (ΔH° = 90.37 kJ mol−1) indicates that the adsorption of Pb(II) is endothermic in nature.\r\n

Author
Hijran Sanaan Jabbar

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchemphys.2025.131645

ISSN
0254-0584

Publish Date: 2-Oct-2025