Efficient removal of Pb(II) using modified chitosan Schiff base@Fe/NiFe

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Chitosan Schiff base (CSB) composites are emerging as effective adsorbents.
• Magnetic nanoparticles (Fe2O3-NiFe2O4) offer advantages in separation and recovery.
• Lead (Pb(II)) is a toxic heavy metal pollutant in aqueous solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel modified chitosan Schiff base@Fe2O3-NiFe2O4 (CsSB@Fe/NiFe) magnetic nanocomposite.
• To evaluate the efficiency of CsSB@Fe/NiFe as an adsorbent for Pb(II) ion removal from aqueous solutions.
• To optimize the adsorption conditions and assess the reusability of the adsorbent.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of CsSB@Fe/NiFe nanocomposite.
• Characterization using FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDX, TGA, DSC, and VSM.
• Batch adsorption experiments to study the effect of pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and initial Pb(II) concentration.
• Adsorption-desorption cycle testing.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis and characterization of CsSB@Fe/NiFe confirmed by various techniques.
• Optimal conditions for Pb(II) removal: pH 5, 0.05 g adsorbent dosage, 75 ppm initial Pb(II) concentration, and 120 min contact time.
• Maximum Pb(II) removal efficiency reached 97%.
• The adsorbent maintained 88% removal efficiency after five adsorption-desorption cycles.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized CsSB@Fe/NiFe nanocomposite is a promising soft magnetic adsorbent for efficient Pb(II) removal.
• The adsorption process is feasible, spontaneous, and the adsorbent demonstrates good reusability.
• This material holds potential for application in wastewater treatment for heavy metal remediation.