Synthesis and Characterization of CuFe₂O₄ Nanoparticles Modified with Polythiophene: Applications to Mercuric Ions...

In this research, CuFe₂O₄ nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation methods and modified by coating with thiophene for removal of Hg(II) ions from aqueous solution. CuFe₂O₄ nanoparticles, with and without thiophene, were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive x-ray (EDX), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). Contact time, adsorbent dose, solution pH, adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherm and recyclability were studied. The maximum adsorption capacity towards Hg²⁺ ions was 7.53 and 208.77 mg/g for CuFe₂O₄ and CuFe₂O₄@Polythiophene composite, respectively. Modification of CuFe₂O₄ nanoparticles with thiophene revealed an enhanced adsorption towards Hg²⁺ removal more than CuFe₂O₄ nanoparticles. The promising adsorption performance of Hg²⁺ ions by CuFe₂O₄@Polythiophene composite generates from soft acid-soft base strong interaction between sulfur group of thiophene and Hg(II) ions. Furthermore, CuFe₂O₄@Polythiophene composite has both high stability and reusability due to its removal efficiency, has no significant decrease after five adsorption-desorption cycles and can be easily removed from aqueous solution by external magnetic field after adsorption experiments took place. Therefore, CuFe₂O₄@Polythiophene composite is applicable for removal Hg(II) ions from aqueous solution and may be suitable for removal other heavy metals.