Mixed phase Fe2O3/Mn3O4 magnetic nanocomposite for enhanced adsorption of methyl orange dye: Neural network modeling and response surface methodology optimization

In this research, a novel magnetic mesoporous adsorbent with mixed phase of Fe₂O₃/Mn₃O₄ nanocomposite was prepared by a facile precipitating method and characterized extensively. The prepared nanocomposite was used as adsorbent for toxic methyl orange (MO) dye removal from aqua matrix considering its high surface area (178.27 m²/g) with high saturation magnetization (23.07 emu/g). Maximum dye adsorption occurs at solution pH 2.0 and the electrostatic attraction between anionic form of MO dye molecules and the positively charged nanocomposite surface is the main driving force behind this adsorption. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used for optimizing the process variables and maximum MO removal of 97.67% is obtained at optimum experimental condition with contact time, adsorbent dose and initial MO dye concentration of 45 min, 0.87 g/l and 116 mg/l, respectively. Artificial neural network (ANN) model with optimum topology of 3–5–1 was developed for predicting the MO removal (%), which has shown higher predictive ability than RSM model. Maximum adsorption capacity of this nanocomposite was found to be 322.58 mg/g from Langmuir isotherm model. Kinetic studies reveal the applicability of second‐order kinetic model with contribution of intra‐particle diffusion in this process.     

Novel Fe3O4/hydroxyapatite/β‐cyclodextrin nanocomposite adsorbent: Synthesis and application in heavy metal removal from aqueous solution

The increased global concern on environmental protection has made researchers focus their attention on new and more efficient methods of pollutant removal. In this research, novel nanocomposite adsorbents,i.e., magnetic hydroxyapatite (Fe₃O₄@HA) and magnetic hydroxyapatite β‐cyclodextrin (Fe₃O₄@HA‐CD) were synthesized and used for heavy metal removal. The adsorbents were characterized by FTIR, XRD, TGA, VSM, and SEM. In order to investigate the effect of β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) removal efficiency, adsorption results of nine metal ions were compared for both adsorbents. β‐CD showed the most increasing effect for Cd²⁺ and Cu²⁺ removal, so these two ions were selected for further studies. The effect of diverse parameters including pH, contact time, initial metal ion concentration and adsorbent dosage on the adsorption process was discussed. The optimum pH was 6 and adsorption equilibrium was achieved after 1 hr. Adsorption kinetic data were well fitted by pseudo‐second‐order model proposing that metal ions were adsorbed via chemical reaction. Adsorption isotherm was best described by the Langmuir model, and maximum adsorption capacity for Cd²⁺ and Cu²⁺ was 100.00 and 66.66 (mg/g), respectively. Desorption experiment was also done, and the most efficient eluent used for desorption of metal ions was EDTA (0.001 M) with 91% and 88% of Cd²⁺ and Cu²⁺ release, respectively. Recyclability studies also showed a 19% decrease in the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent after five cycles of regeneration. Therefore, the synthesized adsorbents were recognized as potential candidates for heavy metal adsorption applications.     

Equilibrium and kinetic study of novel methyltrimethoxysilane magnetic titanium dioxide nanocomposite for methylene blue adsorption from aqueous media

Novel magnetic titanium dioxide nanoparticles decorated with methyltrimethoxysilane (Fe₃O₄@TiO₂‐MTMOS) were successfully fabricated via a sol–gel method at room temperature. The synthesized material was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and vibrating sample magnetometry. The removal efficiency of the adsorbent was evaluated through the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) dye from water samples. The adsorption isotherm and kinetics were evaluated using various models. The Langmuir model indicated a high adsorption capacity (11.5 mg g^?1) of Fe₃O₄@TiO₂‐MTMOS. The nanocomposite exhibited high removal efficiency (96%) and good regeneration (10 times) compared to Fe₃O₄ and Fe₃O₄@TiO₂ at pH = 9.0. Based on the adsorption mechanism, electrostatic interaction plays a main role in adsorption since MB dye is cationic in nature at pH = 9, whereas the adsorbent acquired an anionic nature. The newly synthesized Fe₃O₄@TiO₂‐MTMOS can be used as a promising material for efficient removal of MB dye from aqueous media.     

Hydrothermal development of magnetic-hydrochar nanocomposite from pineapple leaves and its performance as an adsorbent for the uptake of Mn2+ and reuse of the metal loaded adsorbent in latent fingerprint

Manganese is one of the heavy metals that is a major environmental concern when present in large amount. Manganese is discarded into water systems by numerous industries, including mining, batteries and electroplating etc. Pineapple leaves were applied as a biomass source to produce a magnetic hydrothermal treated hydochar nanocomposite; Fe₃O₄-HC. The BET surface area of Fe₂O₃-HC nanocomposite was 21.27 m²/g. Batch adsorption experiments revealed that the uptake of Mn²⁺ fit well in the pseudo second kinetics model, while the adsorption isotherm best fit the Freundlich model, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 2.99 mg/g at 25 °C and a pH of 5. The obtained thermodynamic parameters demonstrated that Mn²⁺ ion adsorption using the Fe₂O₃-HC nanocomposite was endothermic and nonspontaneous. Additionally, Fe₂O₃-HC nanocomposite demonstrated to be highly selective towards Mn²⁺ ions in the presence of other ions. The removal percentage of Mn²⁺ from a real water sample spiked with 50 mg/L Mn²⁺ was reported to be 53.2%. The spent adsorbent was then used to detect latent fingerprints, which revealed that Mn²⁺-Fe₂O₃-HC nanocomposite generated better and clear latent fingerprints than Fe₂O₃-HC nanocomposite.     

Synthesis and characterization of CDs/Al2O3 nanofibers nanocomposite for Pb2+ ions adsorption and reuse for latent fingerprint detection

This study reports a new approach of preparation of carbon dots coated on aluminum oxide nanofibers (CDs/Al₂O₃NFs) nanocomposite and reusing the spent adsorbent of lead (Pb²⁺) ions loaded adsorbent (Pb²⁺-CDs/Al₂O₃NFs) nanocomposite for latent fingerprint detection (LFP) after removing Pb²⁺ ions from aqueous solution. CDs/Al₂O₃NFs nanocomposite was prepared by using CDs and Al₂O₃NFs with adsorption processes. The prepared nanocomposite was then characterized by using UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–visible), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Fluorescence, X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Zeta potential, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The average size of the CDs was 51.18 nm. The synthesized CDs/Al₂O₃NFs nanocomposite has proven to be a good adsorbent for Pb²⁺ ions removal from water with optimum pH 6, dosage 0. 2 g/L. The results were best described by the Freundlich Isotherm model. The adsorption capacity of CDs/Al₂O₃NFs nanocomposite showed the best removal of Pb²⁺ ions with q_m = (177. 83 mg/g), when compared to the previous reports. This adsorption followed the pseudo-second order kinetic model. ΔG and ΔH values indicated spontaneity and the endothermic nature of the adsorption process. CDs/Al₂O₃NFs nanocomposite therefore showed potential as an effective adsorbent. The data were observed from adsorption–desorption after 6 cycles which showed good adsorption stability and re- usability of CDs/Al₂O₃NFs nanocomposite. Furthermore, the spent adsorbent of Pb²⁺-CDs/Al₂O₃NFs nanocomposite has proven to be sensitive and selective for LFP detection on various porous substrates. Hence Pb²⁺-CDs/Al₂O₃NFs nanocomposite can be reused as a good fingerprint labelling agent in LFP detection so as to avoid secondary environmental pollution by disposal of the spent adsorbent.     

The MOF+ Technique: A Significant Synergic Effect Enables High Performance Chromate Removal

A significant synergic effect between a metal–organic framework (MOF) and Fe₂SO₄, the so‐called MOF⁺ technique, is exploited for the first time to remove toxic chromate from aqueous solutions. The results show that relative to the pristine MOF samples (no detectable chromate removal), the MOF⁺ method enables super performance, giving a 796 Cr mg g⁻¹ adsorption capacity. The value is almost eight‐fold higher than the best value of established MOF adsorbents, and the highest value of all reported porous adsorbents for such use. The adsorption mechanism, unlike the anion‐exchange process that dominates chromate removal in all other MOF adsorbents, as unveiled by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), is due to the surface formation of Fe_0.75Cr_0.25(OH)₃ nanospheres on the MOF samples.     

Synthesis of carboxyl‐functionalized magnetic nanoparticles for adsorption of malachite green from water: Kinetics and thermodynamics studies

Magnetic carboxyl‐coated silica iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐COOH NPs) were successfully synthesized, characterized, and then applied as a nano‐adsorbent for removal of malachite green (MG) from aqueous solutions. According to the experimental results, about 97.5% of MG could be removed from aqueous solutions using an adsorbent amount of 0.5 g/L at pH = 9 in 120 min. The kinetics and equilibrium adsorptions is well‐described by the pseudo‐second‐order kinetics and Langmuir model with the maximum absorption capacity of 263.16 mg/g, respectively. Thermodynamic studies showed that the adsorption of the hazardous MG dye was spontaneous and endothermic with a random process.     

A novel magnetic metal organic framework nanocomposite for extraction and preconcentration of heavy metal ions, and its optimization via experimental design methodology

We describe a novel magnetic metal-organic framework (MOF) prepared from dithizone-modified Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles and a copper-(benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate) MOF and its use in the preconcentration of Cd(II), Pb(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) ions. The parameters affecting preconcentration were optimized by a Box-Behnken design through response surface methodology. Three variables (extraction time, amount of the magnetic sorbent, and pH value) were selected as the main factors affecting adsorption, while four variables (type, volume and concentration of the eluent; desorption time) were selected for desorption in the optimization study. Following preconcentration and elution, the ions were quantified by FAAS. The limits of detection are 0.12, 0.39, 0.98, and 1.2 ng mL^?1 for Cd(II), Zn(II), Ni(II), and Pb(II) ions, respectively. The relative standard deviations were <4.5 % for five separate batch determinations of 50 ng mL^?1 of Cd(II), Zn(II), Ni(II), and Pb(II) ions. The adsorption capacities (in mg g^?1) of this new MOF are 188 for Cd(II), 104 for Pb(II), 98 Ni(II), and 206 for Zn(II). The magnetic MOF nanocomposite has a higher capacity than the Fe₃O₄/dithizone conjugate. This magnetic MOF nanocomposite was successfully applied to the rapid extraction of trace quantities of heavy metal ions in fish, sediment, soil, and water samples.

Magnetic hydroxyapatite nanoparticles: An efficient adsorbent for the separation and removal of nitrate and nitrite ions from environmental samples

A novel type of magnetic nanosorbent, hydroxyapatite‐coated Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles was synthesized and used for the adsorption and removal of nitrite and nitrate ions from environmental samples. The properties of synthesized magnetic nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray powder diffraction. After the adsorption process, the separation of γ‐Fe₂O₃@hydroxyapatite nanoparticles from the aqueous solution was simply achieved by applying an external magnetic field. The effects of different variables on the adsorption efficiency were studied simultaneously using an experimental design. The variables of interest were amount of magnetic hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, sample volume, pH, stirring rate, adsorption time, and temperature. The experimental parameters were optimized using a Box–Behnken design and response surface methodology after a Plackett–Burman screening design. Under the optimum conditions, the adsorption efficiencies of magnetic hydroxyapatite nanoparticles adsorbents toward NO₃^? and NO₂^? ions (100 mg/L) were in the range of 93–101%. The results revealed that the magnetic hydroxyapatite nanoparticles adsorbent could be used as a simple, efficient, and cost‐effective material for the removal of nitrate and nitrite ions from environmental water and soil samples.     

Magnetic Nitrogen-Doped Porous Carbon Nanocomposite for Pb(II) Adsorption from Aqueous Solution

We report in the present study the in situ formation of magnetic nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ or Fe) within porous N-doped carbon (Fe₃O₄/N@C) via simple impregnation, polymerization, and calcination sequentially. The synthesized nanocomposite structural properties were investigated using different techniques showing its good construction. The formed nanocomposite showed a saturation magnetization (M_s) of 23.0 emu g⁻¹ due to the implanted magnetic nanoparticles and high surface area from the porous N-doped carbon. The nanocomposite was formed as graphite-type layers. The well-synthesized nanocomposite showed a high adsorption affinity toward Pb²⁺ toxic ions. The nanosorbent showed a maximum adsorption capacity of 250.0 mg/g toward the Pb²⁺ metallic ions at pH of 5.5, initial Pb²⁺ concentration of 180.0 mg/L, and room temperature. Due to its superparamagnetic characteristics, an external magnet was used for the fast separation of the nanocomposite. This enabled the study of the nanocomposite reusability toward Pb²⁺ ions, showing good chemical stability even after six cycles. Subsequently, Fe₃O₄/N@C nanocomposite was shown to have excellent efficiency for the removal of toxic Pb²⁺ ions from water.     

Poly(butyl methacrylate)-grafted alginate/Fe3O4 nanocomposite: Synthesis and its application for removal of dyes

This study involved the utilization of a free radical-graft copolymerization reaction for the development of a novel adsorbent, namely, poly(butyl methacrylate)-grafted alginate/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite (PBMA-gft-Alg/Fe₃O₄). Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction patterns analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were carried out for the characterization of Fe₃O₄ NPs and PBMA-gft-Alg/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites. The capability of nanocomposites and nanoparticles to adsorb dyes such as MG and MB, resulting in their removal from aqueous media, was evaluated under different conditions such as pH, temperature, contact time, and dose of adsorbent. Optimum parameters for adsorption of dyes were found to be pH of 10, 50°C, contact time of 180 min, and 0.2 g of adsorbent. Efficiency of the PBMA-gft-Alg/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite was found to be significantly greater than that of Fe₃O₄ NPs for eliminating the desired dye. Langmuir, Freundlich, Sips, and Temkin models were used for testing the experimental data. Freundlich model was the one that best described the adsorption.     

Humic Acid Removal by Combining the Magnetic Property of Maghemite with the Adsorption Property of Nanosized Hydroxyapatite

Maghemite incorporated hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanocomposite was prepared by in situ precipitation of the calcium phosphate phase in an iron oxide colloidal suspension. The resultant nanocomposite was characterized by x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, transmission electron microscope, N₂ adsorption analysis, and vibrating sample magnetometry. The potential of HAP/γ-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposite for HA adsorption from aqueous solution was evaluated by batch experiments and adsorption kinetic tests. HA adsorption amount on the adsorbent decreased with increasing solution pH and the presence of KNO₃ and alkali-earth metal ions resulted in enhanced HA adsorption. HA adsorption onto HAP/γ-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposite could be well described by Freundlich and Sips models, while HA adsorption process on the adsorbent obeyed pseudo-second-order kinetics and the adsorption rates decreased with increasing initial HA concentration. This study showed that the HAP/γ-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposite could be used as an efficient and magnetically separable adsorbent for the removal of HA from aqueous solution. Subsequent studies demonstrated that the HA-loaded HAP/γ-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposite could be further applied for the highly efficient adsorption of methylene blue (MB) and separated from the medium by a simple magnetic process.     

Functionalization and Evaluation of Inorganic Adsorbents for the Removal of Cadmium in Wastewater

This study presents the feasibility of using various functionalized substrates, Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs) and Al₂O₃ spheres, for the removal of Cd from aqueous solution. To improve the materials’ affinity to Cd, we explored four different surface modifications, namely (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES), L-Cysteine (Cys) and 3-(triethoxysilyl) propylsuccinic anhydride (CAS). Particles were characterized by FTIR, FIB-SEM and DLS and studied for their ability to remove metal ions. Modified NPs with APTES proved to be effective for Cd removal with efficiencies of up to 94%, and retention ratios up to 0.49 mg of Cd per g of NPs. Batch adsorption experiments investigated the influence of pH, contact time, and adsorbent dose on Cd adsorption. Additionally, the recyclability of the adsorbent and its potential phytotoxicity and animal toxicity effects were explored. The Langmuir, Freundlich, pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models were applied to describe the behavior of the Cd adsorption processes. The adsorption and desorption results showed that Fe₃O₄ NPs modified with APTES are promising low-cost platforms with low phytotoxicity for highly efficient heavy metal removal in wastewater.     

Removal of Chromium Ions by Fe3O4‐containing Polypyrrole Matrix and Environmental Applications

In this work, the PPy/Fe₃O₄@TiO₂ composite was synthesized and characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and magnetic measurements (using a vibrating sample magnetometer). The adsorption performance of PPy/Fe₃O₄@TiO₂ composite for Cr(VI) ions was evaluated by UV irradiation. The effects of pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, and the initial concentration on the adsorption performance of Cr(VI) onto PPy/Fe₃O₄@TiO₂ were investigated. The maximum adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) upon doped PPy/Fe₃O₄@TiO₂ is 85.30 mg/g at room temperature. The total adsorption process likely follows the Langmuir model and pseudo‐second‐order kinetics. Our study suggests that the PPy/Fe₃O₄@TiO₂ composite can be efficiently used for the adsorption of Cr(VI) ions.     

Optimization of adsorption parameters for Fe (III) ions removal from aqueous solutions by transition metal oxide nanocomposite

Manganese oxide nanocomposite (Mn₂O₃/Mn₃O₄) was prepared by sol-gel technique and used as an adsorbent. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) were used to characterize the adsorbent. The response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to evaluate the effects of solution pH, initial Fe (III) ions concentration, adsorbent weight, and contact time on the removal ratio of the Fe (III) ions. A total of 27 adsorption experimental runs were carried out employing the detailed conditions designed based on the Box-Behnken design (BBD). Results showed that the pH of the solution and initial Fe (III) ions concentration were the most significant parameters for Fe (III) ions removal. In process optimization, the maximal value of the removal ratio of Fe (III) was achieved as 95.80%. Moreover, the corresponding optimal parameters of adsorption process were as: contact time?=?62.5?min, initial Fe (III) concentration?=?50?mg/L, adsorbent weight?=?0.5?g, and pH?=?5. The experimental confirmation tests showed a strong correlation between the predicted and experimental responses (R²?=?0.9803). The fitness of equilibrium data to common isotherm equations such as Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin were also tested. The sorption isotherm of adsorbent was best described by the Langmuir model. The kinetic data were analyzed using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, intraparticle diffusion, and Elovich kinetic models. The adsorption kinetics of Fe (III) ions were well fitted with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model.     

Comparison of Cadmium Cd2+ and Lead Pb2+ Binding by Fe2O3@SiO2‐EDTA Nanoparticles – Binding Stability and Kinetic Studies

This study describes the synthesis and characterization of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) functionalized magnetic nanoparticles of 20 nm in size – Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐EDTA – which were used as a novel magnetic adsorbent for Cd(II) and Pb(II) binding in aqueous medium. These nanoparticles were obtained in two‐stage synthesis: covering by tetraethyl orthosilicate and functionalization with EDTA derivatives. Nanoparticles were characterized using TEM, FT‐IR, and XPS methods. Metal ions were detected under optimized experimental conditions using Differential Pulse Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (DPASV) and Hanging Mercury Drop Electrode (HDME) techniques. We compared the ability of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐EDTA to bind cadmium and lead in concentration of 553.9 μg L^?1 and 647.5 μg L^?1, respectively. Obtained results show that the adsorption rate of cadmium binding was very high. The equilibrium for Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐EDTA‐Cd(II) was reached within 19 min while for the Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐EDTA‐Pb(II) was reached within 25 minutes. About 2 mg of nanoparticles was enough to bind 87.5 % Cd(II) and 54.1 % Pb(II) content. In the next step the binding capacity of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐EDTA nanoparticles was determined. Only 1.265 mg of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐EDTA was enough to bind 96.14 % cadmium ions while 5.080 mg of nanoparticles bound 40.83 % lead ions. This phenomenon proves that the studied nanoparticles bind Cd(II) much better than Pb(II). The cadmium ions binding capacity of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐EDTA nanoparticles decreased during storage in 0.5 M KCl solution. Two days of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐EDTA storage in KCl solution caused the 32 % increase in the amount of nanoparticles required to bind 60 % of cadmium while eight‐days storage caused further increase to 328 %. The performed experiment confirmed that the storage of nanoparticles in solution without any surfactants reduced their binding capacity. The best binding capacity was observed for the nanoparticles prepared directly before the electrochemical measurements.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Nanostructured Fe3O4 Micron‐Spheres and Their Application in Removing Toxic Cr Ions from Polluted Water

We present a simple and effective method for the synthesis of nanostructured Fe₃O₄ micron‐spheres (NFMSs) by annealing hydrothermally formed FeCO₃ spheres in argon. The phase structure, particle size, and magnetic properties of the product have been characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and by means of a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). The results have shown that the as‐obtained NFMSs have a diameter of about 5 μm and are composed of nanometer‐sized porous lamellae. The NFMSs have a large specific surface area (135.9 m² g^?1), reductive Fe²⁺ incorporated into their structure, and intense magnetic properties. These properties suggest that NFMSs have potential application in removing toxic Cr⁶⁺ ions from polluted water. At 25 °C, each gram of NFMSs product can remove 43.48 mg of Cr⁶⁺ ions, as compared to just 10.2 mg for nanometer‐sized Fe₃O₄ and 1.89 mg for micron‐sized Fe₃O₄. The enhanced removal performance can be ascribed to the structural features. Moreover, the Cr⁶⁺ ion removal capacity of the NFMSs can reach up to 71.2 mg g^?1 at 50 °C. The influencing parameters in the removal of Cr⁶⁺ ions, such as contact time, pH, and temperature, have been evaluated. The Cr⁶⁺‐removal mechanism has been investigated. We have found that the NFMSs product not only serves as an effective adsorbent to remove toxic Cr⁶⁺ ions from polluted water, but also as an effective reductant in reducing the adsorbed toxic Cr⁶⁺ ions to much less toxic Cr³⁺ through the Fe²⁺ incorporated into its structure.     

Preparation of poly(vinylalcohol)/poly(acrylamide‐co‐vinyl imidazole)/γ‐Fe2O3 semi‐IPN nanocomposite and their application for removal of heavy metal ions from water

A series of magnetic semi‐interpenetrating polymer network (semi‐IPN) hydrogels was prepared in one‐stage strategy composed of linear poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) chains and magnetic γ‐Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles entrapped within the cross‐linked poly(acrylamide‐co‐vinylimidazole) (poly(AAm‐co‐VI)) network. The influence of PVA, weight ratio of AAm:VI, γ‐Fe₂O₃, and MBA on the swelling properties of the obtained nanocomposite hydrogels was evaluated. The prepared magnetic semi‐IPN hydrogels were fully characterized and used as absorbent for removal of Pb(II) and Cd(II) from water. Factors that influence the metal ion adsorption such as solution pH, contact time, initial metal ion concentration, and temperature were studied in details. The experimental results were reliably described by Langmuir adsorption isotherms. The adsorption capacity of semi‐IPN nanocomposite for Pb(II) and Cd(II) were175.80 and 149.76 mg g^?1, respectively. The kinetic experimental data indicated that the chemical sorption is the rate‐determining step. According to thermodynamic studies, Pb(II) and Cd(II) adsorption on the hydrogels was endothermic and also chemical in nature. The prepared magnetic PVA/poly(AAm‐co‐VI) semi‐IPN hydrogels could be employed as efficient and low‐cost adsorbents of heavy metal ions from water. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of novel magnetic sulfur-doped Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanoparticles for efficient removal of Pb(II)

In this work, we report the synthesis of magnetic sulfur-doped Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄:S NPs) with a novel simple strategy, which includes low temperature multicomponent mixing and high temperature sintering. The prepared Fe₃O₄:S NPs exhibit a much better adsorption performance towards Pb(II) than bare Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. FTIR, XPS, and XRD analyses suggested that the removal mechanisms of Pb(II) by Fe₃O₄:S NPs were associated with the process of precipitation (formation of PbS), hydrolysis, and surface adsorption. The kinetic studies showed that the adsorption data were described well by a pseudo second-order kinetic model, and the adsorption isotherms could be presented by Freundlich isotherm model. Moreover, the adsorption was not significantly affected by the coexisting ions, and the adsorbent could be easily separated from water by an external magnetic field after Pb(II) adsorption. Thus, Fe₃O₄:S NPs are supposed to be a good adsorbents for Pb(II) ions in environmental remediation.     

Synthesis and characterisation of magnetic activated carbon/diopside nanocomposite for removal of reactive dyes from aqueous solutions: experimental design and optimisation

In this work, a series of magnetic activated carbon/nanodiopside (Fe₃O₄/AC/Diop) nanocomposites were synthesised and used for the removal of reactive green KE-4BD dye from the aqueous solution. After preparation of nanodiopside by sol-gel method and activated carbon from coconut husk, first, Fe₃O₄/AC composite was prepared by in situ synthesis of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles between activated carbon pores, and then, different percentages of Fe₃O₄/AC/Diop nanocomposites were prepared by simple mixing of Fe₃O₄/AC composite and Diop in ethanol. Formation of Fe₃O₄/AC and Fe₃O₄/AC/Diop composites was characterised by FTIR, field emission scanning electron microscopy, BET, XRD and vibrating sample magnetometer analyses. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to show the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent more accurately. Effects of amount of adsorbent, initial pH, contact time and dye concentration on reactive green dye removal were also studied using central composite design. Optimal conditions for maximum reactive green KE-4BD dye adsorption (98.35%) process were as follows: pH= 4.90, adsorbent amount: 0.015 g, dye concentration: 37.17 mg/L and contact time: 10.12 min, respectively. In addition, the adsorption kinetics, thermodynamics and isotherms were examined. Adsorption isotherms (q_max: 344.827 mg/g), kinetics and thermodynamics were demonstrated that the sorption processes were better described by the pseudo-second-order equation and the Langmuir equation.