Application of recycled PET/carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotube composites for Cd2+ adsorption from aqueous solution: a study of morphology, thermal stability, and electrical conductivity

Abstract

An effective approach to manage plastic wastes is recycling which has received considerable attention. Here, poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) bottle waste was recycled and the effects of introducing different amounts of carboxyl-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (1, 2, and 4 wt%) in a PET matrix have been investigated. The obtained nanocomposites (NCs) were fully characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electronic microscopy, field emission scanning electronic microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and so on. Inflame-retarding property of the obtained NC was higher to that of a pure recycled PET matrix. The electrical conductivity of the PET NC at a concentration of only 1 wt% was increased by nine orders of magnitude compared to that of the pure PET. The capability of separating Cd(II) ions was studied, and the results showed favorable adsorption. In fact, we used from a trash and change it to a product with potential of heavy metal adsorption, high electrical conductivity, and good flame retardancy properties.