Facile synthesis of magnetic high-efficiency renewable nanosorbent for recyclable adsorption of Cu2+.

This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of recyclable nano-adsorbents of magnetic nanocomposites (Fe3O4@ZnO-RGO). The Fe3O4 nanoparticles were used as magnetic responders, ZnO coated on the surface of Fe3O4 not only captured Cu2+ but also prevented the oxidation of Fe3O4, and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) acted as Fe3O4@ZnO carrying platform could effectively adsorb Cu2+. The physical and chemical performance characterization suggested that the nano-adsorbents had stable structure, good hydrophilicity, and magnetic properties. Furthermore, the research results on adsorption performance indicated that the Fe3O4@ZnO-RGO had high adsorption properties for Cu2+, and the adsorption rate could reach more than 98%. The adsorption process conformed to the Langmuir model and second-order adsorption kinetics, and the adsorption of Cu2+ was mainly chemisorption, accompanied by physical adsorption. In addition, because of the special magnetic response performance, Fe3O4@ZnO-RGO could be quickly separated from the solutions for cyclic adsorption so as to avoid secondary pollution. This provided a valuable idea for the effective development of clean and efficient Cu2+ adsorbents, and the Fe3O4@ZnO-RGO had great application potential in the field of Cu2+ wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]