Synthesis and Characterization of CuFe(2)O(4) Nanoparticles Modified with Polythiophene: Applications to Mercuric Ions Removal

In this research, CuFe(2)O(4) nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation methods and modified by coating with thiophene for removal of Hg(II) ions from aqueous solution. CuFe(2)O(4) nanoparticles, with and without thiophene, were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive x-ray (EDX), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET). Contact time, adsorbent dose, solution pH, adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherm and recyclability were studied. The maximum adsorption capacity towards Hg(2+) ions was 7.53 and 208.77 mg/g for CuFe(2)O(4) and CuFe(2)O(4)@Polythiophene composite, respectively. Modification of CuFe(2)O(4) nanoparticles with thiophene revealed an enhanced adsorption towards Hg(2+) removal more than CuFe(2)O(4) nanoparticles. The promising adsorption performance of Hg(2+) ions by CuFe(2)O(4)@Polythiophene composite generates from soft acid–soft base strong interaction between sulfur group of thiophene and Hg(II) ions. Furthermore, CuFe(2)O(4)@Polythiophene composite has both high stability and reusability due to its removal efficiency, has no significant decrease after five adsorption–desorption cycles and can be easily removed from aqueous solution by external magnetic field after adsorption experiments took place. Therefore, CuFe(2)O(4)@Polythiophene composite is applicable for removal Hg(II) ions from aqueous solution and may be suitable for removal other heavy metals.