A simplified method for synthesis of Fe3O4@PAA nanoparticles and its application for the removal of basic dyes

A simplified method for synthesis of polyacrylic acid-bound iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@PAA NPs) was reported. The as-prepared nanoparticles were characterized by TEM, FT-IR, VSM and XRD. Characterization results indicated that PAA was successfully introduced onto the surface of Fe3O4 and did not cause any changes in magnetic property. The Fe3O4@PAA NPs were used to adsorb rhodamine 6G (R6G) as a model basic dye pollutant from aqueous solution. Kinetics data and adsorption isotherms were better fitted by pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm, respectively. The adsorption equilibrium could be reached at about 20 min, showing that the as-prepared adsorbent exhibited extremely rapid adsorption rate. The aqueous solution of the Yellow River was chosen as the test sample, and the results showed that the magnetic adsorbent was efficient for the removal of the basic dye in the real sample.

► A simplified method was used to synthesis the Fe3O4@PAA NPs.► The as synthesized magnetic NPs had relatively large specific surface area and good magnetic responsiveness.► As magnetic adsorbents, the Fe3O4@PAA NPs could be used to adsorb basic dyes from water solution.► The adsorption equilibrium could be reached in a short time.