New insight into electrochemical-induced synthesis of NiAl2O4/Al2O3: Synergistic effect of surface hydroxyl groups and magnetism for enhanced adsorptivity of Pd(II)

- The introduction of Ni to γ-Al2O3 by electrolysis formed NiAl2O4 spinels and NiO.
- Physical mixed of NiO with γ-Al2O3 only produced agglomerated NiO-Ni0.
- Ni/Al2O3-E has remarkably higher degree of magnetism than Ni/Al2O3-PM.
- Ni/Al2O3-E adsorbed Pd2+ ions more effectively (qm = 40.3 mg/g) than Ni/Al2O3-PM.
- Pd2+ ions were adsorbed to both samples via magnetic attraction and ion exchange.