Environmentally friendly magnetic chitosan nano-biocomposite for Cu(II) ions adsorption and magnetic nano-fluid hyperthermia: CCD-RSM design

Chitosan conjugated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle stabilized citric acid (SPION-CA-CH) nanobiocomposite was fabricated in three synthetic steps; Synthesis of SPION, SPION's surface stabilization with citric acid, and its surface modification with chitosan via carbodiimide chemical reaction. This chemical binding has made it an environmentally clean and biocompatible candidate for magnetically targeting applications. The high performance of the SPION-CA-CH examined through two applications; first, performing as a nano-adsorbent for adsorption of Cu(II) ions as a heavy metal model, and secondly, as targeted nano-heaters for magnetic nano fluid hyperthermia (MNFH). RSM applied for optimizing and modeling parameters. From the RSM model, the optimum experimental conditions to achieve 91.3% removal of Cu(II) ions were at pH 6.54, nano-adsorbent concentration 0.92 g L-1, and contact time 65.7 min. The maximum Langmuir adsorption capacity was 232.55 mg g(-1) (R-2=0.9992). Besides, the equilibrium data were well described, with the pseudo-second-order kinetic (R-2=0.9993). Desorption studies displayed that the adsorption capacity of prepared nano-adsorbent decreased 12.5% after five times reuse, indicating efficient recovery of the nano-adsorbent for practical application. Apart from the adsorption application, we evaluated the potential of the SPION-CA-CH for MNFH. Optimum conditions for a maximum specific absorption rate (SAR) of 184.40 W g(-1) were at 27 kA m(-1) and the nano-heater concentration of 1.00 mg mL(-1). All in all, the high magnetic response (Ms=60.4 emu g(-1)), adsorption capacity, reusability, and SAR value, make SPION-CA-CH a potential magnetic nano-adsorbent in wastewater treatment and nano-heaters for MNFH treatment technology.

Automated summary

SPION-CA-CH is a potential magnetic nano-adsorbent with high adsorption capacity, reusability, and specific absorption rate for magnetic nano fluid hyperthermia (MNFH), making it suitable for applications in wastewater treatment and medical treatments.