Study on the adsorption of Cu(II) by EDTA functionalized Fe3O4 magnetic nano-particles

The EDTA functionalized magnetic nano-particles (MNPs-EDTA) as a novel magnetic nano-adsorbent have been prepared by a simple one-pot method for the removal of Cu(II) from aqueous solution. Factors affecting the adsorption of Cu(II) on MNPs-EDTA, such as contact time, temperature, pH, salinity, and initial concentration of Cu(II), were investigated. The studies on the adsorption revealed that the adsorption process obeyed the pseudo-second order kinetic model, the determining step might be chemical sorption and the adsorption equilibrium could be achieved in 5 min. Among the various isotherm models, the experimental data for the adsorption of Cu(II) followed the Langmuir isotherm best and the maximum adsorption capacities was 46.27 mg g−1 at pH 6.0 and 298 K. Thermodynamic parameters declared that the adsorption process was endothermic and spontaneous. The removal efficiencies of Cu(II) were over 98.3% and inappreciably influenced by the water matrix. In addition, the adsorption–desorption studies indicated that MNPs-EDTA had a high stability and good reusability.

• Prepared the EDTA functionalized magnetic nano-particles (MNPs-EDTA) by a simple one-pot method.
• MNPs-EDTA were used for Cu(II) adsorption firstly and show high adsorption capacity.
• The adsorption equilibrium could be achieved within 5 min.
• MNPs-EDTA could remove nearly 100% Cu2+ from tap water and river water.