Synthesis of Novel Biocompatible Composite Fe3O4/ZrO2/Chitosan and Its Application for Dye Removal

A novel biocompatible composite Fe 3 O 4 /ZrO 2 /chitosan was synthesized in a simple way and its capacity of dye removal was investigated in this study. The morphology of the material was examined by SEM and TEM and found to be nanosized and spheroidal. Equilibrium adsorption isotherms and dynamic behaviors of the adsorption process were investigated in detail. The material saturated with dye could be regenerated by treatment with strong alkali solution. The composite has high adsorption capacity towards acidic dyes represented by amaranth and tartrazine, and remains intact under conditions that are strongly acidic or alkali. The material has high potential to be applied for the removal of acidic dyes in industrial wastewater in large scale.