Removal of Heavy Metal Ions from Water by Magnetic Cellulose-Based Beads with Embedded Chemically Modified Magnetite Nanoparticles and Activated Carbon

For the removal of heavy metal ions from water, new resources should be exploited to design more efficient, environmentally friendly adsorbents. To tackle this challenge, millimeter-scale magnetic cellulose-based beads with micro and nanopore structure were fabricated via an optimal extrusion dropping technology from NaOH/urea aqueous solution. The composite beads incorported with carboxyl decorated magnetite nanoparticles and nitric acid modified activated carbon have convenient operation based on sensitive magnetic response and highly effective removal performance for Cu2+, Pb2+, and Zn2+. Their structure and properties were investigated. Moreover, the adsorption equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamics of Cu2+, Pb2+, and Zn2+ by the prepared composite adsorbents were examined. The results revealed that these adsorption processes were spontaneous endothermic reactions and determined by combination of physical and chemical adsorptive mechanisms.