Synthesis and characterization of size-controlled magnetic clusters functionalized with polymer layer for wastewater depollution

We developed a new type of magnetic hybrid system with superparamagnetic behavior and high saturation magnetization, covered with poly (2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid) (pAMPS) or polydopamine (pDPA) layers of controlled thickness. TEM confirms the formation of magnetic clusters with 150 nm mean diameter, highly regular shape and a very thin polymeric shell. The chemical structures of the pAMPS and pDPA based magnetic clusters were confirmed by FTIR analysis. The magnetic properties were analyzed with a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and the values of saturation magnetization are 56 emu/g for pAMPS and 54 emu/g for pDPA covered magnetic clusters. The magnetic clusters coated with pAMPS and pDPA were used as adsorbents in the separation of toluidine blue (TB) as model system from aqueous medium. UV spectroscopy was used to study the effects of different parameters such as polymer structure, dye concentration, pH, on the adsorption of TB.