β-Cyclodextrin stabilized magnetic Fe3S4 nanoparticles for efficient removal of Pb(ii)

Abstract

In this study, magnetic β-cyclodextrin stabilized Fe₃S₄ nanoparticles (CD-Fe₃S₄) were fabricated via a facile one-step route. The as-prepared CD-Fe₃S₄ exhibited a high Pb(II) adsorption capacity of 256 mg g⁻¹, and it also showed a surprisingly efficient adsorption toward Zn(II), Cd(II), and Cu(II). XRD, FTIR and XPS analyses suggested that the mechanisms governing Pb(II) removal by CD-Fe₃S₄ were precipitation (formation of galena) and surface adsorption. Additionally, the magnetic properties of the synthesized Fe₃S₄ nanoparticles allow fast separation of sorbents from water. The sorption kinetic data were well-described by a pseudo-second-order model, whereas the adsorption isotherms followed a Langmuir isotherm model. Our experimental results proved that the β-cyclodextrin stabilized Fe₃S₄ could be a promising candidate for the removal of Pb(II) from water via simultaneously taking advantage of its magnetic properties and high affinity for heavy metals.