Adsorption capacity of heavy metal ions using sultone-modified magnetic activated carbon as a bio-adsorbent

A novel magnetic bio-adsorbent has been prepared by the loading of Fe₃O₄ NPs and immobilization of 1,4-butane sultone on the surface of activated carbon. The activated carbon was synthesized from pistachio shell as a carbon material of biogenic, bio-resources and its use is cost effective. Structure, morphology and magnetic property of the prepared adsorbent were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The capacity of the adsorbent for removing heavy metals ions Pb(II), As(III) and Cd(II) was studied using Langmuir adsorption isotherm under ultrasound-assisted condition. The maximum adsorption capacities of Pb(II), As(III) and Cd(II) were found to be 147.05, 151.51 and 119.04 mg g^-1, respectively. In addition to high adsorption capacity, this adsorbent shows advantages such as green synthesis, low cast, recyclability, and easy separation. So this nanocomposite can be a suitable absorbent for removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions. Meanwhile, the use of ultrasound radiation is an effective and rapid uptake technology for separating of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions.