Simultaneous removal of Cu(II), Cd(II), Cr(VI), and rhodamine B in wastewater using TiO2 nanofibers membrane loaded on porous fly ash ceramic support

A novel and cost-effective TiO 2 nanofiber membrane on porous fly ash ceramic as support (TNM-PFACS), using fly ash, graphite, and industrial rutile as raw materials, was successfully obtained based on the semi-dry press and hydrothermal process. The phase composition and micro-morphology of TNM-PFACS were characterized and analyzed by XRD, EDS, SEM, and TEM. Furthermore, it was discussed about simultaneous removal of heavy metal ions (Cu(II), Cd(II), and Cr(VI)) and rhodamine B, involving the adsorption and photodegradation process. The results indicated that the removal rate (90.15%) and adsorption capacity (9.56 mg/g) of Cu(II) was maintained, while the adsorption of Cd (II) was inhibited. In the photodegradation process, rhodamine B promoted the reduction of highly toxic Cr(VI) to Cr(III), and the highest removal rate of Cr(VI) reached 97.09%. TNM-PFACS presented simultaneous removal of heavy metal ions and rhodamine B through synergism and antagonism in the adsorption and photodegradation process, which can be applied as a simpler and cost-effective material in industrial wastewater treatment.