Synthesis, characterization and application of chitosan coated Fe3O4 particles as an adsorbent for the removal of furfural from aqueous solution

Abstract

In this research, chitosan coated Fe₃O₄ as a new adsorbent for the removal of furfural from aqueous solutions was successfully synthesized. The adsorbent was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). These results indicate that the Fe₃O₄ is coated with chitosan successfully. In order to find the optimum adsorption conditions, a series of batch adsorption experiments were performed. As a result, the maximum adsorption capability (121.7 mg g⁻¹) was obtained at pH = 8, rotational speed = 200 rpm, contact time = 5 h. Moreover, the adsorption kinetics of furfural by adsorbent were examined and the kinetic data indicates that the adsorption process could be well described by the Freundlich isotherm model.