Synthesis of Fe(3)O(4)@PVBC–TMT nanoparticles for the efficient removal of heavy metals ions

Core–shell magnetic Fe(3)O(4)@PVBC–TMT (Fe(3)O(4)@polyvinylbenzyl chloride–trithiocyanuric acid) nanoparticles containing trithiocyanuric acid groups were fabricated and employed for the fast removal of heavy metals from an aquatic environment. The morphology, structure and properties of Fe(3)O(4)@PVBC–TMT nanoparticles were characterized by a series of modern analytical tools. The adsorption behavior of the Fe(3)O(4)@PVBC–TMT nanoparticles for heavy metals ions in aqueous solutions was investigated by batch experiments. The maximum removal capacities of the Fe(3)O(4)@PVBC–TMT nanoparticles toward Mn(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Cd(2+) and Pb(2+) ions were 127.4, 146.6, 180.5, 311.5, and 528.8 mg g(−1), respectively. Importantly, it is found that Pb(2+) ions can be completely and quickly removed by the Fe(3)O(4)@PVBC–TMT nanoparticles. The equilibrium was established within 6 min, and the removal efficiencies were found to be 99.9%, 99.8% and 99.5% for Pb(2+) ions at the initial concentrations of 100 mg L(−1), 200 mg L(−1) and 300 mg L(−1), respectively. It is hoped that the core–shell magnetic Fe(3)O(4)@PVBC–TMT nanoparticles may find application in wastewater treatment.