Novel nano-Fe3O4-encapsulated-dioctylphthalate and linked-triethylenetetramine sorbents for magnetic solid phase removal of heavy metals

• A novel magnetic nano-Fe3O4-DOP-TETA sorbent was designed.
• Magnetic solid phase extraction and removal processes were established.
• Experimental controlling factors were optimized.
• Successful removal of Cd(II), Pb(II) and Ni(II) was accomplished.

A simple and solvent-free method is proposed for synthesis of novel magnetic nano-sorbents. Dioctyl phthalate (DOP) was used to encapsulate nano-Fe3O4 and produce a nano-Fe3O4-DOP sorbent. This was treated with triethylenetetramine (TETA) in another solvent-free procedure for the formation of a novel nano-Fe3O4-DOP-TETA. The synthesized nano-sorbents were characterized by FT-IR, TGA, SEM and HR-TEM (3.0–12.0 nm). The magnetic solid phase sorption characteristics were studied and optimized. The potential applications of these magnetic solid phase extractors for removal of Ni(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) from drinking tap water, industrial wastewater and sea water samples were accomplished using a multi-stage micro-column technique.

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