Adsorption of cationic dyes, drugs and metal from aqueous solutions using a polymer composite of magnetic/β-cyclodextrin/activated charcoal/Na alginate: Isotherm, kinetics and regeneration studies

In this work, we successfully synthesized novel polymer gel beads based on functionalized iron oxide (Fe3O4), activated charcoal (AC) particles with β-cyclodextrin (CD) and sodium alginate (SA) polymer (Fe3O4/CD/AC/SA), by a simple, reproducible and inexpensive method. These beads proved to be versatile and strong adsorbents with magnetic properties and high adsorption capacity. The composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, adsorption at -196 °C, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and point of zero charge measurements. Two dyes, two drugs and one metal were used to test the adsorption capability of the prepared polymer nanocomposite. The adsorbent showed good removal efficiencies for the studied pollutants, especially the cationic…