Facile synthesis of magnetic photo-responsive nanoparticles based on 1,3-diazabicyclo[3.1.0]hex-3-en: An enhanced adsorption of toxic dyes from aqueous solution under sunlight

The incorporation of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles with silylated photochromic 1,3-diazabicyclo[3.1.0]hex-3-en molecules resulted in a novel functional nanosystem Fe3O4-PTSPC, which is able to bind with charged molecules under sunlight. The material was found to be an exceptional adsorbent for removal of cationic (Toluidine blue; TB) and anionic (Reactive black 5; RB-5) dyes from aqueous solution even for industrial applications. The adsorption performance of the Fe3O4-PTSPC toward toxic dyes is estimated by the solution pH, adsorbent dosage and initial dye concentration. FT-IR, UV-Vis, XRD and TEM results confirm the successful formation of magnetic photo-responsive nanomaterial. The photochromic performance of Fe3O4-PTSPC is reversibly switched by light irradiation and the nanoparticles also significantly flocculated and dispersed by external magnetic field. Sunlight produced open ring photoisomer on the NPs surface and then caused dye-binding in aqueous solution although dye release failed upon Vis light irradiation. (C) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A novel functional nanosystem Fe3O4-PTSPC was successfully prepared, which can bind with charged molecules under sunlight and exhibits exceptional adsorption performance for dyes, making it suitable for water treatment and industrial applications.