Magnetic Fe3O4/ZIF-8 optimization by Box-Behnken design and its Cd(II)-adsorption properties and mechanism

In this study, the preparation of magnetic Fe₃O₄/ZIF-8 (MFZ) and its adsorption properties for Cd(II) from water were investigated. Various characterizations demonstrate that the as-prepared MFZ has well magnetic-separation performance and thermal stability. In batch adsorption tests, the effects of pH, initial concentration, and adsorbent dosage were evaluated. According to the findings, when the pH is 7 and the dosage is 150 mg/L, the adsorption capacity for a 40 mg/L Cd(II) solution reaches 102.3 mg/g in 180 min. The Cd(II) adsorption processes was found to correspond to pseudo-first-order kinetics and Langmuir model according to the adsorption kinetics and isotherms. The Langmuir model predicted a maximal saturation adsorption capacity of 160.26 mg/g at 298 K. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the Cd(II) adsorption is an endothermic, spontaneous process. Ion exchange, coordination reaction, and electrostatic interaction are all involved in Cd(II) adsorption by MFZ. The optimum conditions for Cd(II) adsorption were proposed and confirmed in accordance with the results of the response surface optimization experiments. Furthermore, regeneration tests demonstrate the great repeated regeneration ability of MFZ. According to the anticipated production cost, treating wastewater with a Cd(II) concentration of 40 mg/L would cost roughly US$ 8.35/m³. MFZ showed good potential for Cd(II) removal from water.