Synthesis and Characterization of Palm Fruit Chaff Cellulose/ Hydroxyapatite/Copper–Zinc Banana Petals Nanocomposite (PFCC-Hap-BPNC)

The increasing occurrence of emerging contaminants in aquatic environments has intensified the search for environmentally sustainable adsorbent materials derived from renewable biomass. In this study, a novel Palm Fruit Chaff Cellulose/Hydroxyapatite/Copper–Zinc Banana Petals Nanocomposite (PFCC-HAp-BPNC) was synthesized through a sequential biofabrication approach involving cellulose extraction from palm fruit chaff, hydroxyapatite incorporation, and modification with copper–zinc banana petal nanoparticles. The synthesis was designed to integrate the high mechanical stability of cellulose, the excellent ion-exchange capacity of hydroxyapatite, and the catalytic functionalities of Cu–Zn nanoparticles into a single multifunctional adsorbent. The prepared composite was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of hydroxyl, phosphate, carbonate and metal–oxygen functional groups, demonstrating successful chemical integration of the constituent materials. XRD patterns indicated the coexistence of crystalline cellulose and hydroxyapatite phases with improved structural ordering following Cu–Zn incorporation. SEM observations revealed an irregular, porous and interconnected surface morphology that is advantageous for adsorption processes. EDS analysis further confirmed the successful incorporation of calcium, carbon, oxygen, copper, zinc and other constituent elements into the synthesized nanocomposite. The synergistic interaction among cellulose, hydroxyapatite and Cu–Zn banana petal nanoparticles is expected to enhance adsorption efficiency, catalytic activity and structural stability. Consequently, PFCC-HAp-BPNC represents a promising environmentally friendly material for wastewater treatment and the removal of emerging contaminants.

Palm fruit chaff cellulose; Hydroxyapatite; Banana petal nanoparticles

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