Graphene oxide/CuFe2O4 foam as an efficient absorbent for arsenic removal from water

In this work, graphene oxide (GO) and copper ferrite composite was synthesized on Fe-Ni foam via a one-step hydrothermal method. The foam substrate not only acts as holding material for GO and copper ferrite, but also makes this adsorbent convenient to recycle. The morphology and surface composition of the graphene oxide/copper ferrite foam (GCFF) were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectra. The adsorption behavior of As(III) and As(V) onto the GCFF was studied as a function of solution pH, temperature, contact time, initial concentrations, and competing ions. Results show this GCFF is an efficient adsorbent for arsenic with high adsorption capacities for both As(III) and As(V) owing to the synergistic effect of CuFe2O4 and GO. The maximum adsorption capacities for As(III) and As(V) are 51.64 and 124.69 mg g(-1), respectively. Adsorption isotherms study indicates a Langmuir model of adsorption. In addition, the GCFF also reveals good recyclability due to the unique foam structure and the adsorption capacity is almost not deteriorated after eight recycles. Column experiment suggests that 96% As(V) can be removed from water solution after 100 bed volume test.