Harnessing synergistic two-step adsorption of silica/calcium chloride (CaCl) hybrid composites for ammonium removal from aquarium water.

Ammonium ions, prevalent water contaminants, can become hazardous at high concentrations. To mitigate this risk, various adsorbents have been developed, yet the kinetics of their adsorption processes remain under investigation. In this study, we present the fabrication and comprehensive analysis of pure silica and silica/calcium chloride (CaCl) composites. These materials were characterized using advanced techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential thermal analysis (DTA). Additionally, pore and salt ratio analyses were conducted using BET and DFT methods. Ammonium ion adsorption efficiency was evaluated through ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV/Vis). The results show that with an increase in the concentration of CaCl, more adsorption was observed. However, the kinetic analysis revealed that the experimental results followed the pseudo-second-order model and values of k show that mass transfer was slow with a 1% CaCl-based silica composite as compared to other samples. The intramolecular model predicted that the adsorption of ammonium ions was a two-step process, and the Elovich model fits reasonably, highlighting the presence of physicochemical interactions between ammonium ions and CaCl-silica composites. Furthermore, these composites proved highly effective in treating aquarium water. The treatment process increased the pH from 6.19 to 6.74 and successfully removed up to 43% of ammonium ions from the aquarium water. These findings highlight the potential of silica/CaCl composites as a viable adsorbent for ammonium removal for aquarium water purification, offering a significant advancement in maintaining a safe environment for aquatic life. PRACTITIONER POINTS: State-of-the-art characterization techniques confirmed successful fabrication of Silica/Calcium Chloride (CaCl) Hybrid Composites. The fabricated composites showed better ammonium ion adsorption, improving the effectiveness of water purification. Kinetic studies revealed a pseudo-second-order model, with a slower mass transfer rate in low CaCl concentration composites. The intramolecular model indicates a two-step adsorption mechanism, while the Elovich model validates physicochemical interactions. Optimal composite improves the aquarium water pH from 6.19 to 7.08 by the removal ammonium ions.