Removal of Pb(2+) from water environment using a novel magnetic chitosan/graphene oxide imprinted Pb(2+)

A novel, magnetic chitosan coating on the surface of graphene oxide was (Pb-MCGO) successfully synthesized using Pb(2+) as imprinted ions for adsorption and removal of Pb(2+) from aqueous solutions. The magnetic composite bioadsorbent was characterized by SEM, FTIR and XRD measurements. Batch adsorption experiments were performed to evaluate the adsorption conditions, selectivity and reusability. The results showed that the maximum adsorption capacity was 79 mg/g, observed at pH 5 and 303K. Equilibrium adsorption was achieved within 40 min. The kinetic data could be fitted with a pseudo-second order equation. Adsorption process could be well described by Langmuir adsorption isotherms. The selectivity coefficient of Pb(2+) and other metal cations onto Pb-MCGO indicated an overall preference for Pb(2+), which was much higher than non-imprinted MCGO beads. Moreover, the sorbent was stable and easily recovered, the adsorption capacity was about 90% of the initial saturation adsorption capacity after being used five times.