Eggshell membrane-derived MgFe2O4 for pharmaceutical antibiotics removal and recovery from water

Here, we report eggshell membrane (ESM)-derived MgFe2O4 as effective adsorbent for the capture, transfer, and removal of doxycycline (DC) antibiotic and its subsequent recycling for cyclic utilization. The resultant material has meshwork morphology and consists of interconnected and penetrated fibers assembled by MgFe2O4 nanoparticles. The maximal adsorption capacity of ESM-derived MgFe2O4 is about 308 mg g(-1) for DC, and the adsorbed MgFe2O4 can be reused after magnetic separation from water and acid treatment. The strong adsorption ability is attributed to the hydrogen bonding and pi-pi stacking interaction between ESM-derived MgFe2O4 and DC, as well as its porous structure with high surface area. (C) 2017 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.