Application of CoFe2O4@CuS magnetic nanocomposite as a novel adsorbent for removal of Penicillin G from aqueous solutions: Isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic study

In this study, CoFe2O4@CuS magnetic nanocomposite was synthesized and used to removal of Penicillin G (PG) from aqueous solutions. The synthesized magnetic nanocomposite were characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM). Also, the impact of major parameters including pH (3-11), adsorbent dosage (0.2-0.8 g/L), PG concentration (10-100 mg/L), contact time (10-120 min) and temperature (283-313 K) were studied. Finally, isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamics of adsorption process of PG onto CoFe2O4@CuS magnetic nanocomposite were investigated. According to the results of this study, CoFe2O4@CuS magnetic nanocomposite used to adsorption of PG in optimum condition has maximum adsorption capacity of 41 mg/g (optimum condition pH = 5, adsorbent dosage: 0.2 g/L, PG concentration: 100 mg/L, contact time: 40 min and temperature 313 K). Results of thermodynamic study showed that all the values of Delta G, Delta H and Delta S were positive. Also isotherm study showed that adsorption of PG on CoFe2O4@CuS magnetic nanocomposite better compatibility with Langmuir and then Temkin, Freudlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich models. Also, by comparing the kinetics of the adsorption process, it was determined that the pseudo-second order kinetics was able to provide a better description of the kinetics of adsorption.