Magnetite nanoparticles decorated on multi-walled carbon nanotubes for removal of Cu from aqueous solution.

Acid-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs-COOH) was prepared by acid treatment followed by decoration with magnetite (FeO) nanoparticles (FeO/MWCNTs-COOH) by co-precipitation of Fe/Fe in the colloidal suspension of MWCNTs-COOH. The adsorption capacity and separation efficiency of these two adsorbents were investigated for the removal of Cu ions in aqueous solution as water treatment adsorbents. The effect of reaction conditions, such as contact time, initial concentration of Cu ions, and adsorbent dosage, on the adsorption capacity of MWCNTs-COOH was investigated.