Scaled-up development of recyclable Pd@ZnO/CuO nanostructure for efficient removal of arsenic from wastewater

•The synthesis of Pd@ZnO/CuO nanocomposite via cost effective novel hydrothermal and precipitation method.•The Pd@ZnO/CuO nanocomposite as an excellent adsorptive agent for the removal of arsenic from waste water.•Discussed the various factors effecting the adsorption of arsenic.•The kinetic and isotherms of arsenic adsorption by Pd@ZnO/CuO nanocomposite were also studied. The purification of water from hazardous substances, like arsenic (As) containing media which causes chronic disorders, requires special types of technological approaches to tackle this problem. Among the technological advancements, adsorption is considered as one of the easiest techniques used for the treatment and purification of water. Herein, palladium (Pd) coated ZnO/CuO based nanocomposite was prepared successfully by a hydrothermal method and the product was characterized by XRD, HRTEM, SEM, EDS, TGA, FTIR and XPS techniques. The resultant adsorbent demonstrated remarkable adsorption capacity in the removal of harmful arsenic from water, which was 91.96 and 96.36 mg/g for both As(III) and As(V) respectively. Moreover, the effect of various parameters like —OH concentration and metal precursor on the morphology of Pd@ZnO/CuO nanocomposite has been studied. Consequently, both As(III) and As(V) were found to be well agreed with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, which ensures their adsorption through ion exchange and electrostatic interaction. Additionally, the whole process of arsenic removal was carried out at pH 4‒9 in the presence of various minerals. Finally, the adsorbent was reused and presented satisfactory results over five cycles, which render it as the best candidate for the elimination of arsenic from natural and industrial water samples.