Magnetic nanocomposite beads: Synthesis and uptake of Cu(II) ions from aqueous solutions

Abstract

Sodium alginate and magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were combined to produce magnetic nanocomposite beads that were used for the removal of Cu(II) from aqueous solutions at a temperature of 25 °C and a stirring rate of 150 rpm. The different parameters affecting the adsorption capacity of the synthesized material such as contact time (30-270 min), pH (3-7), adsorbent dosage (5-10 g per 50 mL of wet beads), and initial Cu(II) concentration (50-450 mg/L) were investigated. Of all of the variables, the solution pH has the most significant effect on the adsorption capacity, particularly in the range of 4-6. Response surface methodology was used for modeling and optimizing the uptake process. While the experimental data were well described by the pseudo-second-order model, the adsorption isotherms were better fitted by the Langmuir equation. The results revealed that the maximum removal percentage was 92.6% from the initial Cu(II) concentration (150 mg/L) at pH 6, adsorbent dose (8.0 g/50 mL), and contact time (210 min). Therefore, the synthesized magnetic nanocomposite product could act as a highly effective nanoadsorbent in Cu(II) removal from the aqueous solutions.