Instantaneous integration of magnetite nanoparticles on graphene oxide assisted by ultrasound for efficient heavy metal ion retrieval

We fabricated a magnetite nanoparticle-graphene oxide (GO) hybrid via a non-chemical and one-step process assisted by ultrasound in an aqueous solution where the nanoparticle attached to the hydrophobic region on graphite oxide (multi-layered GO) which, at the same time, was exfoliated. Unlike chemical methods such as precipitation, oxygen-containing functional groups on GO have not been consumed or reduced during the hybridization, leading that this hybrid exhibited good water solubility and high adsorption capacity for heavy metal ions such as Pb(II) and Au(III). After the adsorption, the hybrid was instantly collected using a magnet. This method can be useful for hybridizing various nanoparticles with GO.