Abstract
•PSTM nanocomposite was synthesized by sol–gel method.•SEM images showed the adherence of Pb2+ metal onto the surface of PSTM.•Removal rate of Pb2+ was fast and equilibrium established within 50min.•Practical efficacy of the PSTM was explored in the synthetic mixture.
Polyaniline Sn(IV) tungstomolybdate nanocomposite (PSTM) was synthesized by sol–gel method. The physico-chemical properties of PSTM were studied using FTIR, TGA, XRD, SEM, and TEM. The material was successfully used for the removal of Pb2+. Batch experiments were performed as a function of various experimental parameters such as effect of pH (2–8), contact time (5–60min), initial Pb2+ concentration (10–30mgL−1) and temperature (20–50°C). The removal rate of Pb2+ using PSTM was fast and equilibrium established within 50min. Kinetic studies showed better applicability for pseudo-first-order model. The values of thermodynamic parameters (ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS°) were also computed.