Poly(ethylenimine) functionalized magnetic nanoparticles for sorption of Pb, Cu, and Ni: potential application in catalysis

The poly(ethylenimine) functionalized magnetite particles were studied for their preconcentration efficiencies toward Cu ²⁺ , Pb ²⁺ , and Ni ²⁺ ions. The loading capacities were found to be 26 mg g ⁻¹ , 46 mg g ⁻¹ , and 13 mg g ⁻¹ of Cu ²⁺ , Pb ²⁺ , and Ni ²⁺ ions, respectively. Cu ²⁺ ions loaded on the magnetically retrievable nanoparticles were used for Henry reaction as a representative example of a heterogeneous catalyst. These particles were characterized for their chemical, physical, thermal and magnetic properties. The Henry reaction involved reaction between m-nitro benzaldehyde and nitromethane to afford the nitroaldol adducts 1-(3-nitrophenyl)-2-nitrosoethanol with 80% yield in ethanol at room temperature.