Application of a Sawdust/Fe3O4 and Sawdust/Fe3O4/PEI as a Selective Adsorbent for Pb(II) Removal

Based on the advantages of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (MNPs), sawdust (SD), and polyethlenimine (PEI) respectively, the SD/MNPs/PEI composites with layered structure were synthesized. The features of the nanocomposites were characterized and experimental conditions were used to evaluate the potential of SD/ MNPs and SD/MNPs/PEI nanocomposites in removing lead ions Pb2+ in a batch system. By cross-linking PEI on the SD/ MNPs, chelating group on the surface of adsorbent is made, which increases the ability of the nanocomposite to attract Pb(II) from aqueous solutions. Results show an increase in the adsorption by about 31% on SD/MNPs, by about 98% in SD/MNPs/PEI.