Removal of Cu (II) by Modified Magnetite Nanocomposite as a Nanosorbent

Present study reveals an effective removal method of Cu (II)) ions from water was investigated using silica-coated magnetite nanocomposite functionalized with EDTA as an nanosorbent. The nanosorbent was synthesized by co-precipitating iron salts followed by silica coating by sol-gel hydrolysis of TEOS. Further EDTA (Ethylene di-ammine tetra acetic acid) was functionalized on the surface of silica coating by sol-gel process. SEM image confirm the formation of magnetite nanopartilces with average diameter of 12-13 nm. . Silica-coating and the functionalisation of EDTA on its surface were confirmed by FT-IR. EDX study also confirmed the preparation of nanosorbent and the adsorption of Cu2+ ions on its surface as well. VSM study showed that nanosorbent was super paramagnetic at room temperature. Adsorption isotherm was well described by Langmuir adsorption model with maximumadsorption capacity of.099mole/gram. Adsorption mechanisms were ionexchange and electrostatic force of interactions. The metals loaded adsorbent was separated effectively by applying external magnetic field due to its superparamagnetic nature. . The reaction parameters were optimized and it was found that at 10-15 minutes, at pH 5.5-6.5 and by taking 0.11gram adsorbent, 90-95 % copper was adsorbed. The adsorbent stability in acidic and basic medium, its reusability and recyclability were also tested satisfactorily.