Preparation of zeolite-cellulose composites for water disinfection

Abstract

The drinking water shortage is globe concern currently, thus, developing an economical, green, antibacterial composites is urgent. Here, we report a simple and scalable strategy to synthesize zeolite-cellulose composites by the filter paper immersed in the precursor solution of synthetic zeolite. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray fluorescence spectrophotometer (XRF), infrared spectra (IR), and thermogravimetry analyzer (TGA). It was confirmed that the sub-micron zeolite was successfully embedded into cellulose. Zn2+ and Cu2+ are induced into the composites by ion exchange, the composites were able to able to kill nearly all viable bacteria of 1 L of the natural water sample via gravity driving, demonstrating high suitability for practical water disinfection. Furthermore, after the dynamic test of deionized water, the contents of Zn2+ and Cu2+ ions exuded are far below the standard of drinking water, indicating that the materials are safe and have a long-term antibacterial property.