Synthesis and characterization of magnetic chitin composite and its application towards the uptake of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solution

In this article, we described one-pot synthesis of magnetite-coated chitin (MCC) and its adsorption performance towards Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions. MCC was characterized using Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray analyzer, atomic force microscope, X-ray diffraction, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis. After the inclusion of magnetic nanoparticles to the chitin matrix, chitin showed increased surface area from 2.06 to 19.658 m ² g ⁻¹ and thus resulted in enhanced adsorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions with the maximum adsorption capacity of 54.43 and 53.13 mg g ⁻¹ , respectively. Electrostatic adsorption and complexation mechanism has driven the adsorption process. Subsequently, adsorption study results revealed the spontaneous and endothermic nature of the adsorption process. The adsorption process was well described by the Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Moreover, field trial analysis revealed that MCC could be effectively used to remove Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions from field water.