Abstract

Present study reveals an effective removal method of Cu(II)) ions from water was investigated using silica-coated magnetite nanocomposite functionalized with EDTA as an nanosorbent. The nanosorbent was synthesized by co-precipitating iron salts followed by silica coating by sol-gel hydrolysis of TEOS. Further EDTA (Ethylene di-ammine tetra acetic acid) was functionalized on the surface of silica coating by sol-gel process. SEM image confirm the formation of magnetite nanopartilces with average diameter of 12-13 nm.. Silica-coating and the functionalisation of EDTA on its surface were confirmed by FT-IR. EDX study also confirmed the preparation of nanosorbent and the adsorption of Cu2+ ions on its surface as well . VSM study showed that nanosorbent was super paramagnetic at room temperature. Adsorption isotherm was well described by Langmuir adsorption model with maximumadsorption capacity of .099mole/gram. Adsorption mechanisms were ionexchange and electrostatic force of interactions. The metals loaded adsorbent was separated effectively by applying external magnetic field due to its superparamagnetic nature..The reaction parameters were optimized and it was found that at 10-15 minutes, at pH 5.5-6.5 and by taking 0.11gram adsorbent , 90-95% copper was adsorbed. The adsorbent stability in acidic and basic medium, its reusability and recyclability were also tested satisfactorily.

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