The efficient magnetic separation of the four biogenic nanoparticles from aqueous media by the unmodified iron oxide nanoparticles

Abstract

By release of nanoparticles with toxic potentials into environment, there is an urgent need for development of keen procedures for their removal. In this research, unmodified iron oxide nanoparticles were applied for the separation of the Ag/AgCl nanoparticles, Ag nanoparticles, Ag–Cu nanoparticles and Cu nanoparticles from the aqueous environment. The samples were subjected to different characterization and spectroscopic analyses before and after being exposed to magnetic separation. Scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analysis showed the attachment of the biogenic nanoparticles onto the magnetic nanoparticles which were observed by the obvious shift in the color and the turbidity between the sample and its control. The Ag and Cu contents of the separated nanoparticles were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, presenting the highest recovery efficiency for Ag–Cu nanoparticles (96%). However, the other rest of the nanoparticles were trapped by a removal efficiency of more than 80%. When compared to the previous studies, the efficiency of this method was among the highest ones. The ability of this type of the magnetic nanoparticles for the adsorption of the biogenic nanoparticles enunciates them as a fast, green, convenient and keen tool for trapping and the removal of the biogenic nanoparticles from an aqueous media.