Magnetic nanoparticle decorated multi-walled carbon nanotubes for removing copper ammonia complex from water

A kind of novel magnetic carbon nanotube composite was prepared and designed for wastewater treatment. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes were decorated with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, with an uniform distribution on the nanotube surface. The functionalized carbon nanotubes exhibit superparamagnetic behavior and can be easily and rapidly separated from the dispersion via a magnetic process. The carbon nanotube-iron oxide composites might serve as adsorbent for contaminant adsorption in water, especially for copper ammonia complex removal. The adsorption of copper ammonia complex to carbon nanotube-iron oxide composites is time dependent, and they can be quickly and efficiently removed together through a magnetic separation process. This novel magnetic composites might serve as an efficient and proper adsorbent in wastewater treatment applications.