Preparation of cast chitosan/polyether sulfone/Fe3O4 modified with mercapto and amine groups as a novel nanohybrid adsorbent for heavy metal removal from single and binary aqueous systems

In this study, a novel chitosan/poly ether sulfone/Fe3O4-APTES-TMPTMS nanohybrid adsorbent was prepared by casting method for heavy metal removal from single and binary aqueous systems. The prepared nanohybrids were characterized using FESEM, BET, FTIR, XPS and TGA analyses. The effect of amine and mercapto groups on the adsorption of nickel and lead ions was studied in a batch system. The influence of other key parameters such as adsorption temperature, pH, contact time and metal ion concentration was also evaluated. The kinetic experimental data were well fitted to the double-exponential model for both nickel and lead ions. Furthermore, the equilibrium data were well fitted to the Redlich-Peterson isotherm model indicating a dominant monolayer adsorption. The maximum adsorption capacity of synthesized nanohybrid adsorbent for lead and nickel ions was found to be 246.7 and 87.4 mg/g, respectively. Also, the synthesized nanohybrid adsorbent was easily regenerated for both ions without significant reduction of adsorption capacity. In binary system, a higher inhibitory effect was observed for lead ion compared to nickel ion; and the adsorption process followed an antagonistic behavior.

Automated summary

A novel nanohybrid adsorbent was prepared for heavy metal removal, showing efficient adsorption capacities for nickel and lead ions under different parameters. In binary system, a higher inhibitory effect was observed for lead ions compared to nickel ions.