Cu (II) ion removal from aqueous solution by PHEMA magnetic nanogel

Abstract

Magnetic nanogels based on 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and N,N’-methylene-bis-
(acrylamide)(MBA) were prepared via photochemical method under UV irradiation. The structure and
compositions of magnetic nanogels are characterized by FTIR, TGA and TEM. TGA measurement indicates
that magnetic nanogels contain about 85-92% magnetite. The prepared magnetic nanogels were used to
remove cupper ions from industrial water. The proposed mechanism was dependant on the interaction
between the surface hydroxyl groups of polymer-Fe3O4 composite and the cupper ions present in the
solution. Several factors affecting the absorption capability were studied. These include: structure of
nanogels, % of MBA to HEMA, effect of pH and effect of temperature. The obtained data revealed that the
maximum absorption capacity was attained at pH 6 and at 40°C. The efficiency decreased remarkably at
acidic pH and at a temperature higher than 40°C. It was also found that the ratio of 10% HEMA : 20 mg MBA
achieved maximum copper absorption. Furthermore, the reusability of the prepared nanogels was
demonstrated.