Open AccessFacile fabrication of nanocomposites by modified carbon black loading with magnetite nanoparticles for fast removal of cadmium ions
Author(s) -
Weiping Xiao,
Meiyong Li,
Zhizhong Su,
Yan Zhao
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
nano express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2632-959X
DOI - 10.1088/2632-959x/ab95e5
Subject(s) - superparamagnetism , materials science , nanocomposite , chemical engineering , magnetic nanoparticles , graphene , magnetite , carbon nanotube , aqueous solution , thermogravimetric analysis , metal ions in aqueous solution , dispersion stability , absorption (acoustics) , nanoparticle , nuclear chemistry , nanotechnology , chemistry , organic chemistry , metal , composite material , magnetization , metallurgy , physics , quantum mechanics , magnetic field , engineering
Magnetic nanomaterials have unique advantages in heavy metal ions absorption because of their large specific surface area and easy magnetic manipulation. Carbon nanotube or graphene loaded with magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) have been utilized to fabricate absorbents with both high absorption capacity and fast magnetic capture. Herein, cheap commercial carbon black was used as a substitute for expensive carbon nanotube or graphene to fabricate nanocomposites (CB-MNP) by modified carbon black loaded with superparamagnetic MNPs. The fabrication process is accomplished by two steps. Carbon blacks (CB) were modified by nitric acid to produce a large number of carboxyl groups on the surface and make stable aqueous dispersion. Subsequently, CB-MNPs with high water stability and fast magnetic response were facilely prepared by iron precursors (the ratio of ferrous to ferric is 1:2) added into the above CB dispersion and tuned pH = 10, finally added polyacrylic acid solution under sonication. Modified CB and CB-MNPs were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), dynamic laser scattering (DLS), thermogravimetric analysis and so on. Water stability and magnetic response can be controlled by changing the proportion of CB and iron precursor. As a proof-of-concept, CB-MNPs were used for absorption removal of cadmium ions. Excellent performance was demonstrated with the removal efficiency of 71.41% and removal capacity of 39.99 mg · g −1 at the initial concentration of Cd 2+ as 5 × 10 −5 mol · l −1 . The effects of initial concentration of Cd 2+ , pH value and interfering anion ions were also investigated and the results indicate the potential application of CB-MNP in fast removal of heavy metal ions.