Synthesis and characterization of magnetite-poly(melamin) hybrid nanoparticles and application in removal of heavy metal ions (Cu+2, Ni+2)

Excessive increase in industrial activities in recent years has led to the uncontrolled entry of industrial effluents containing large amounts of heavy metals into the environment and can have irreversible effects on human, animal and plant health. In this project, the preparation of magnetic hybrid nanomaterial (Fe3O4@SiO2-PMT) was presented by a simple method and used as an adsorbent to remove Cu2+ and Ni2+ ions. The maximum removal efficiency was 91% for copper and 96% for nickel. The highest removal efficiencies for copper and nickel were obtained at pH=7, a concentration of 0.05 g of adsorbent and a duration of 90 minutes. The desorption results showed that about 90% of the nanomaterials were recycled and significant reduction in nanoparticle adsorption capacity was not observed. The leaching test also showed good stability of the prepared adsorbent under acidic conditions, because a small amount of iron had entered the solvent after 72 hours. Advantages of this method include high removal ability, low cost, reusability of the adsorbent, and the easy separation of the adsorbent.