Fe3O4 and iminodiacetic acid modified peanut husk as a novel adsorbent for the uptake of Cu (II) and Pb (II) in aqueous solution: Characterization, equilibrium and kinetic study

The presence of higher concentrations of heavy metals in water affects its quality with a concomitant adverse effect on its users thus their removal is paramount. A novel adsorbent, PN-Fe3O4-IDA derived from the chemical modification of peanut husk (a low-cost agricultural biomass produced in significant quantities globally) using magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4) and iminodiacetic acid was utilized for the remediation of heavy metals in aqueous solution. Analytical techniques vis-a-vis the Fourier-Transform Infrared, Scanning Electron Microscope, Brunauer Emmett Teller, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction were applied for the characterization of PN-Fe3O4-IDA. Results from the characterization studies showed that PN-Fe3O4-IDA possessed a mesoporous structure, a heterogeneous surface and functional groups such as carboxylic acid and a tertiary nitrogen atom which enhanced its adsorption capacities as well as magnetic properties which ensured its easy removal from the solution using a magnet. The maximum uptake of Pb and Cu onto PN-Fe3O4-IDA was 0.36 and 0.75 mmol g(-1) (at 318 K) respectively with the chemisorption process being the major reaction pathway for the processes. The synthesized adsorbent exhibits significant adsorption capacity for the selected pollutants as well as some unique features which promotes its use as an adsorbent for wastewater remediation processes. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A novel adsorbent PN-Fe3O4-IDA was developed for the remediation of heavy metals in water, derived from the chemical modification of peanut husk using magnetic nanoparticles and iminodiacetic acid. The adsorbent showed mesoporous structure, functional groups enhancing adsorption capacities and magnetic properties for easy removal, exhibiting significant adsorption capacity for pollutants and potential for wastewater treatment processes.