Synthesis of ferrofluid DAA-Glu COF@Aminated alginate/Psyllium hydrogel nanocomposite for effective removal of polymethyl methacrylate nanoparticles and silver quantum dots pollutants

Background: Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is widely used in biomedical applications. It exhibits slow degradation rates and thus is categorized as a potential hazardous pollutant. Similarly, silver quantum dots (Ag-QDs) have been recently listed as common pollutants based on their recent industrial applications. The aim is to design a novel nanocomposite via the combination of ferrofluids, covalent organic frameworks and Aminated alginate/Psyllium hydrogel as effective multifunctional nanocomposite for removal of PMMA nanoparticles (NPs) and Ag-QDs from water. Methods: Developed nanocomposite was fully identified from FTIR studies, electron microscopy, XRD and XPS. The removal process was optimized via detailed optimization of several parameters such as pH, shaking time (kinetic studies), nanocomposite dosage, pollutant concentration, temperature (thermodynamic studies) and ionic strength. Finally, the produced hybrid Ag-QDs@nanosorbent was examined as sustainable nanocatalyst for reducing Nitroxynil drug (NIX), a common hazardous pollutant Significant Findings: 98.02% and 96.36% removal efficiencies were achieved for PMMA NPs and Ag-QDs, respectively through process optimization. Kinetic studies revealed a complex heterogeneous chemisorption process that was interpreted by several kinetic models. Process spontaneity was confirmed from the thermodynamic studies. Process applicability in real water treatment of spiked samples with PMMA NPs and Ag-QDs as the target pollutants was accomplished. Finally, Ag-QDs@nanosorbent showed promising results as nanocatalyst for the pseudo-first order reduction of NIX with k=1.319 min-1.

Automated summary

A novel nanocomposite was designed by combining ferrofluids, covalent organic frameworks, and Aminated alginate/Psyllium hydrogel for the effective removal of PMMA nanoparticles and Ag-QDs from water. Extensive studies and optimization led to the achievement of removal efficiencies of 98.02% and 96.36% for PMMA NPs and Ag-QDs, respectively. The nanocomposite showed promising potential for application in real water treatment.