Gum arabic-magnetite nanocomposite as an eco-friendly adsorbent for removal of lead(II) ions from aqueous solutions: Equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic studies

Abstract

In this study, a gum Arabic-magnetite nanocomposite (GA/MNPs) was synthesized using the solution method. The prepared nanocomposite was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The prepared composite was evaluated for the adsorption of lead(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The controlling factors such as pH, contact time, adsorbent dose, initial ion concentration, and temperature were investigated. The optimum adsorption conditions were found to be 0.3 g/50 mL, pH = 6.00, and contact time of 30 min. The experimental data well fitted the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacity was determined as 50.5 mg/g. Thermodynamic parameters were calculated postulating an endothermic and spontaneous process and a physio-sorption pathway.