One-step facile synthesis of mesoporous graphene/Fe3O4/chitosan nanocomposite and its adsorption capacity for a textile dye

Hierarchical mesoporous graphene@Fe3O4@chitosan hybrids were prepared by a one-step facile solvothermal method. SEM and TEM pictures showed that the Fe3O4@chitosan nanoparticles were well dispersed on the graphene matrix. The incorporation of Fe 3 0 4 in the nanocomposite was confirmed by FT-IR and XRD. The adsorption behavior of the as-prepared composite to methylene blue was conducted, where the effect of the adsorbent dosage, pH, contact time, dye concentration, and recyclability were studied. The composite exhibited rapid adsorption, high capacity, and easy separation and reuse owing to the mesoporous nature of graphene sheets and Fe3O4@chitosan nanoparticles, as well as to the magnetic property of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The adsorption capacity could reach 98% within a contact time of 5 min at pH 9 and an initial dye concentration of 25 mg L-1. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.