Chitosan-/PVA-coated magnetic nanoparticles for Cu(II) ions adsorption

The magnetic chitosan/PVA/iron oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized for the usage of Cu(II) ions removal from aqueous solution. The structure and morphology of the adsorbent was investigated by X-Ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and Fourier transform infrared analyses. Adsorption performances of the adsorbents were tested as a function of Cu(II) ion concentration, pH value, time, and temperature. The adsorption kinetics and isotherms were analyzed by Lagergren first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich equation, intra-particle diffusion models, and Langmuir, Freundlich, DR and BET isotherms, respectively. The kinetics results pointed out pseudo-second-order. Maximum sorption capacity of the adsorbent was estimated to be 500mg/g at pH 5.0. Thermodynamic parameters such as Gibbs free energy (G degrees), enthalpy (H degrees), and entropy (S degrees) changes were also determined and indicated that the sorption process was endothermic in nature. The magnetic results showed that the adsorbent can be manipulated by an external magnet with sufficient separation. The process is clean, safe, and easy enough for the removal of Cu(II) ions.