Magnetic-controlled aerogels from carboxylated cellulose and MnFe2O4 as a novel adsorbent for removal of Cu(II)

Abstract The pore structure of the regenerated cellulose hydrogel was used as a microreactor for generating magnetic MnFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles via in situ co-precipitation technology. Sodium periodate and sodium chlorite were used as oxidants, and the carboxyl modification of magnetic cellulose aerogels was achieved through a two-step oxidation reaction. The method used was convenient and environmental-friendly, and the raw materials were also green and non-toxic. The addition of magnetic nanoparticles promoted the adsorption and enabled the recycling of materials. The results showed that the adsorption equilibrium time was only 120 min and adsorption capacity could be increased by increasing the adsorption temperature. The maximum adsorption capacity of Cu(II) was 73.70 mg/g at 25 °C when the initial concentration of solution was150 mg/L. The adsorption behaviour towards Cu(II) followed the pseudo-secondary reaction kinetics and the Langmuir isotherm adsorption model. According to the results of XPS, carboxyl and hydroxyl groups were the main active adsorption sites for Cu(II). Moreover, all the composite aerogels exhibited good reusability and could be easily separated from the water after adsorption. Graphical abstract The pore structure of the regenerated cellulose hydrogel was used as a microreactor for generating magnetic MnFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles via in situ co-precipitation technology. Sodium periodate and sodium chlorite were used as oxidants, and the carboxyl modification of magnetic cellulose aerogels was achieved through a two-step oxidation reaction. According to the results of XPS, carboxyl and hydroxyl groups were the main adsorption sites for Cu(II). Moreover, all the composite aerogels exhibited good reusability and could be easily separated from the water after adsorption.