Green synthesis of bimetallic and trimetallic nanoparticles on glass granules for lead removal

This study synthesized and assessed the properties of bimetallic (Fe/Cd) and trimetallic (Fe/Cd/Cu) nanoparticles using grape leaf extract as a green antioxidant, replacing synthetic chemicals. These nanoparticles were immobilized on glass granules to form G-Fe/Cd and G-Fe/Cd/Cu nanocomposites. They were also evaluated for their effectiveness in extracting Pb(II) from aqueous solutions. Various analytical techniques and thermodynamic, kinetic, and isotherm experiments were employed to characterize the nanocomposites. The results indicated that while both nanocomposites could remove Pb(II), the trimetallic nanocomposite outperformed the bimetallic one, achieving an adsorption capacity of 25.073 mg/g compared to 17.066 mg/g due to the presence of additional metal (copper) enhanced its properties. The experimental results demonstrated that the synthesized nanocomposites (G-Fe/Cd and G-Fe/Cd/Cu) achieved lead removal efficiencies of 89 % & 95 %, respectively, under optimized conditions. Many techniques such as SEM, EDX, TEM, XRD, surface area, and FTIR were used to characterize the G-Fe/Cd and G-Fe/Cd/Cu nanocomposites. These techniques collectively ensured the effective fabrication and structural integrity of the prepared nanocomposites. This work highlights the potential of green synthesis and practical methods for producing efficient nanomaterials for environmental remediation without adverse effects. • Using grape leaf extract as a green antioxidant instead of harmful chemicals. • Using Cd(II) and Cu(II) as dopant metals with nZVI. • Immobilizing nanoparticles using glass waste (G) as an inert support material. • Evaluate the G-Fe/Cd and G-Fe/Cd/Cu nanocomposites for removal of Pb(II). • Study the sorption, kinetic, and thermodynamics of the nanocomposites.