Synthesis and Characterization of CuFe2O4 Nanoparticles Modified with Polythiophene: Applications to Mercuric Ions Removal

In this research, CuFe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation methods and modified by coating with thiophene for removal of Hg(II) ions from aqueous solution. CuFe2O4 nanoparticles, with and without thiophene, were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive x-ray (EDX), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). Contact time, adsorbent dose, solution pH, adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherm and recyclability were studied. The maximum adsorption capacity towards Hg2+ ions was 7.53 and 208.77 mg/g for CuFe2O4 and CuFe2O4@Polythiophene composite, respectively. Modification of CuFe2O4 nanoparticles with thiophene revealed an enhanced adsorption towards Hg2+ removal more than CuFe2O4 nanoparticles. The promising adsorption performance of Hg2+ ions by CuFe2O4@Polythiophene composite generates from soft acid-soft base strong interaction between sulfur group of thiophene and Hg(II) ions. Furthermore, CuFe2O4@Polythiophene composite has both high stability and reusability due to its removal efficiency, has no significant decrease after five adsorption-desorption cycles and can be easily removed from aqueous solution by external magnetic field after adsorption experiments took place. Therefore, CuFe2O4@Polythiophene composite is applicable for removal Hg(II) ions from aqueous solution and may be suitable for removal other heavy metals.