Polyoxazoline functionalized magnetic spinel iron oxide nanoparticles for efficient removal of pharmaceuticals and heavy metal ions from water

Abstract

This study introduces a novel class of multifunctional hybrid materials for advanced water remediation, based on Fe₃O₄ superparamagnetic nanoparticles functionalised with tailored polyoxazoline coatings (PiPOx and PAmOx). These materials uniquely combine the high selective adsorption capacity of the polymer coating – engineered to target both organic pollutants and heavy metal ions – with the inherent magnetic responsiveness of the Fe₃O₄ core, enabling efficient contaminant removal and facile particle recovery under an external magnetic field. Detailed adsorption experiments reveal striking differences in performances between the two hybrid nanoparticles. Fe₃O₄@PAmOx exhibits exceptional efficacy in removing organic pollutants from aqueous solutions, achieving recovery rates exceeding 80% ± 2 for a range of tested contaminants. Conversely, Fe₃O₄@PiPOx demonstrates a pronounced affinity for heavy metal ions, particularly Pb²⁺, with a recovery rate surpassing 25% ± 2. This selective adsorption behavior indicates that Fe₃O₄@PAmOx is optimally suited for the remediation of organic pollutants, whereas Fe₃O₄@PiPOx proves more effective in addressing heavy metal contamination. The synergistic combination of Fe₃O₄@PiPOx and Fe₃O₄@PAmOx offers a versatile and highly efficient solution for wastewater treatment capitalizing on their dual capabilities to selectively adsorb pharmaceutical residues and heavy metal ions, while preserving their magnetic properties following surface functionalization. This approach underscores the significant potential of these hybrid systems in practical water purification applications, facilitating the effective targeting of both organic and inorganic contaminants and providing a viable path towards sustainable water management.