Synthesis, characterization and application of magnetic nanoparticles in the removal of copper from aqueous solution

Abstract

The present study focused on the synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles in the removal of copper from aqueous solutions. Magnetite nanoparticles were developed by co-precipitation method for the adsorption of copper from aqueous solution. The characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles were assessed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDS) analyses. Batch adsorption experiments were performed by varying the solution pH, contact time, stirring speed, adsorbent dosage and concentration of the effluent. The magnetic nanoparticle showed an excellent performance in removing copper under the following optimized conditions: pH 2, contact time = 75 min, initial concentration of copper = 100 ppm, adsorbent dosage = 0.6 g and stirring speed = 150 RPM. Thus, the developed magnetic nanoparticle has the potential to be used for the removal of copper from aqueous solution.