Magnetically responsive low-cost adsorbents for aniline removal

Abstract

Aniline (benzenamine) is a very important substance used in industry even though it is classified as very toxic. The need for a practical solution to remove it from the environment is still a current topic. Aniline adsorption from water solution was evaluated using low-cost, magnetically responsive adsorbents of different type (plant derived materials, microbial and algae biomass, carbon-based and inorganic materials). Magnetic modification, based on the deposition of magnetic iron oxide particles on material surface, enabled rapid adsorbent separation from the analyzed solutions. Carbon-based materials including activated charcoal and biochars exhibited the best adsorption properties. Biochar pyrolysis temperature substantially influenced its affinity for aniline adsorption. Maximum adsorption capacity for magnetically modified spruce biochar pyrolyzed at 1200 °C was 75.7 mg/g. • Aniline (benzenamine) is a very important emerging contaminant. • Aniline adsorption was evaluated using low-cost, magnetically responsive adsorbents. • Carbon-based materials including biochars exhibited the best adsorption properties. • Biochar pyrolysis temperature substantially influenced its affinity for aniline adsorption. Statement of novelty: Large amount of (bio)materials was magnetically modified and tested as possible adsorbents for aniline removal. Magnetic modification enabled rapid adsorbent separation from the analyzed solutions. Magnetic activated carbon, as well as low-cost magnetic biochar, exhibited the best adsorption properties and can be used for efficient aniline removal. Magnetic biochars represent valuable and efficient adsorbents for environmental remediation.