Ionic liquid covered iron-oxide magnetic nanoparticles decorated zeolite nanocomposite for excellent catalytic reduction and degradation of environmental toxic organic pollutants and dyes

Abstract

Ionic liquid 2′,3′-epoxypropyl-N-methyl-2-oxopyrrolidinium salicylate ([EPMpyr][SAL]) IL, bonded iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) with zeolite modified nanocomposite (IL/MNP/Zeo) was synthesized. This nanocomposite was characterized by micro and macroscopic techniques, namely, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (TGA&DSC). These techniques have been used to reveal the overall physical properties including functional groups which are present, crystalline nature, morphology, elemental identifications and thermal stability of the nanocomposite respectively. In this case, ionic liquid (IL) and iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) were synthesized and characterized. Both IL and MNPs contributed to enhancing the binding property and thermal stability of the nanocomposite. This novel nanocomposite acts as an excellent catalyst for the reduction of several nitroanilines, namely, 2-nitroaniline, 3-nitroaniline, 4-nitroaniline, Nitrophenyl diamine and dyes (Methylene blue and Allura red). In this investigation, time-dependent UV–vis spectroscopy was used to monitor the reduction reactions. Furthermore, the catalyst was removed after completion of the reaction, using an external magnet; then purified and recycled for further reactions with negligible loss of activity. In addition, these reduction reactions are obtained in an aqueous medium which makes them more economical, eco-friendly and easy to handle. This type of research is very helpful in environmental protection; especially the pollution of natural water resources from industrial wastewater.