Synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles anchored on carbon nano-matrix for the efficient adsorptive removal of crystal violet from aqueous solution

Abstract

Herein, we demonstrate a substrate free synthesis route for Cu-carbon nanofibers (Cu-CNFs) from Cu-tartrate. Optimization of the reduction temperature of Cu-tartrate by temperature programmed reduction (TPR) analysis is found to be crucial for the successful growth of Cu-CNFs. Magnetite (Fe3O4) NPs are further incorporated onto Cu-CNFs by wet-impregnation technique. Physico-chemical properties of the materials are evaluated using various analytical and spectroscopic techniques. The material is further tested for its adsorption efficacy towards crystal violet dye. A high adsorption capacity (260 ± 5 mg/g at pH value of 11 measured by Langmuir model) may be attributed to the combined effects of negative surface charge, hydrophilic characteristic, and high surface area of the material. In its dual role, Fe3O4 NPs facilitates the adsorption of CV onto the adsorbent and also separates the adsorbent efficiently from the aqueous mixture using an external magnet. The synthesized material may also be utilized for the adsorptive removal of other cationic dyes from wastewater.