Magnetically Functionalized Moss Biomass as Biosorbent for Efficient Co²⁺ Ions and Thioflavin T Removal

• Main Authors: Martin Pipíška, Simona Zarodňanská, Miroslav Horník, Libor Ďuriška, Marián Holub, Ivo Šafařík
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-08-01
• Series: Materials
• Subjects: magnetic biosorbent; microwave synthesis; cobalt; thioflavin T; biosorption; reusability
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/13/16/3619

Microwave synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles and microparticles were used to prepare a magnetically responsive biosorbent from <i>Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus</i> moss for the rapid and efficient removal of Co²⁺ ions and thioflavin T (TT). The biocomposite was extensively characterized using Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR), XRD, SEM, and EDX techniques. The magnetic biocomposite showed very good adsorption properties toward Co²⁺ ions and TT e.g., rapid kinetics, high adsorption capacity (218 μmol g⁻¹ for Co and 483 μmol g⁻¹ for TT), fast magnetic separation, and good reusability in four successive adsorption–desorption cycles. Besides the electrostatic attraction between the oxygen functional moieties of the biomass surface and both Co²⁺ and TT ions, synergistic interaction with the –FeOH groups of iron oxides also participates in adsorption. The obtained results indicate that the magnetically responsive biocomposite can be a suitable, easily separable, and recyclable biosorbent for water purification.