Nanosilica‐Coated 3D‐Printed Filters for Efficient Cu(II) Removal From Water: Adsorption Behavior and Reusability

This study explores the development of a 3D‐printed water filter coated with modified nanosilica for the efficient removal of Cu(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The nanosilica was first incorporated into a resin before being applied as a coating on the filter. The filter’s performance was evaluated under varying conditions, including initial Cu(II) concentrations (50, 100, and 150 ppm), temperatures (30°C and 60°C), and a contact time of 120 min, focusing on adsorption capacity and reusability. The results demonstrated that nanosilica modification significantly enhanced the filter’s adsorption efficiency, achieving removal rates between 78% and 81%. The highest efficiency, 81.14%, was observed at 60°C and 100 ppm Cu(II). Temperature showed minimal influence on removal efficiency within the tested range, while the initial Cu(II) concentration had a significant impact on adsorption capacity. The adsorption process followed the Langmuir isotherm model, indicating a monolayer adsorption mechanism with strong affinity for Cu(II) ions. Additionally, the modified filter exhibited excellent reusability, maintaining consistent performance across multiple adsorption cycles. These findings suggest that the nanosilica‐coated 3D‐printed filter offers a promising and sustainable solution for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater.