Synthesis of chitosan-coated magnetite nanoparticles using co-precipitation method for copper(II) ions removal in aqueous solution

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on the removal of copper(II) ions from aqueous model salt solution by using chitosan-coated magnetite nanoparticles.Design/methodology/approachThe chitosan-coated magnetite nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric differential thermal analysis. The adsorption of Cu(II) by using magnetite nanoparticles as an adsorbent was investigated under different adsorption conditions. The parameters studied were contact time, adsorbent dose and initial concentrations.FindingsThe sorption capacities of prepared samples were studied for the removal of Cu2+ ions from aqueous model solutions with varying experimental conditions of the initial metal concentration, contact time and dosage. It is found that the removal percent of Cu2+ ions increases with an increase in initial metal concentration, contact time and amount of dosage.Originality/valueBased on the obtained results, this study recommends that chitosan-coated magnetite nanoparticles can also be applied for removal of some heavy metal ions and/or organic compounds in aqueous solution. It is recommended that this study be shared with the polymer-based nanomaterial researchers, especially material science.