Developing of a magnetite film of carboxymethyl cellulose grafted carboxymethyl polyvinyl alcohol (CMC-g-CMPVA) for copper removal

Crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose grafted carboxymethyl polyvinyl alcohol (CMC-g-CMPVA) was loaded with modified magnetite iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles to synthesise a new and easily separable adsorbent for the removal of copper (II) ions from water. The novel adsorbents were characterised by the presence of the functional group, surface morphology, crystallinity and magnetic property. The equilibrium time from the adsorption studies was found to be less than 240 min for both film and bead forms while the rate of Cu²⁺ removal decreased as the initial Cu²⁺ concentration increased. In addition, CMC-g-CMPVA film loaded with Fe₃O₄/SiO₂ nanoparticles was the best adsorbent with maximum adsorption capacity of 35.34 mg/g and exhibited a reusable potential. The properties exhibited by the new heterogeneous material is a promising adsorbent for the removal and recovery of copper (II) from wastewater.