Polypyrrole-magnetite-halloysite nanotube nanocomposite for adsorption of copper (II) ions in aqueous solution
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Date
2016-06
Authors
Wang Leong Kwan
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Abstract
Polypyrrole/magnetite/halloysite nanotube (PPY/Fe3O4/HNT) magnetic nanocomposite (MNC) is studied for their application in copper (Cu) ions removal from aqueous solution. The synthesis of PPY/Fe3O4/HNT was carried in in two stages: co-precipitation of Fe3O4 on HNT forming Fe3O4/HNT MNC and followed by micro-emulsion polymerization of pyrrole. The morphology of MNC was studied and is shown that the agglomeration of Fe3O4/HNT is reduced when coated with polypyrrole (PPY). The adsorption efficiency of PPY/Fe3O4/HNT is examined by using batch experiment. The concentration of Cu (II) ions were determined by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The effect of interaction time and initial concentration on adsorption efficiency and adsorption capacity (qe) of MNC was studied. The qe of 63.70 mg/g is achieved at equilibrium time of 30 minutes. Increasing in initial concentration of Cu (II) ions will increase the adsorption efficiency and capacity. The adsorption behaviour of PPY/Fe3O4/HNT MNC can be described by using Freundlich model and pseudo-second order process. This indication that the adsorption process occurs through chemisorption and multilayer adsorption can occurs. It was found that the recycling capability of PPY/Fe3O4/HNT was reduced with number of cycles of use. The adsorption efficiency was reduced 10.14% from first to second cycle and 6.55% from second to third cycle. These low reduction of adsorption efficiency shows that the PPY/Fe3O4/HNT MNC can be repeatedly used for at least three cycles effectively.