Magnetic mesoporous nanocomposite of MgFe2O4 with nitrogen doped graphene oxide (N-GO) i.e. MgFe2O4@N-GO was successfully synthesized. Effect of nitrogen doping on GO and its nanofabrication with MgFe2O4 NPs on the structural, magnetic, adsorptive and photocatalytic properties was studied. Nanocomposite was characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, VSM, Mossbauer and FT-IR spectroscopic techniques. XRD pattern of N-GO showed a slight shift of the peak towards smaller 2θ value as compared to GO due to expansion of interlayer distance by the insertion of N atoms on GO surface. TEM image of MgFe2O4@N-GO displayed wrinkled sheets of N-GO containing MgFe2O4 NPs with particle size between 10-20 nm. The nanocomposite and pristine MgFe2O4 NPs were compared to GO and N-GO for Pb (II) and As (III) adsorption studies. Adsorption experiments were conducted to test the effect of different parameters viz. adsorbent dose, pH, contact time and temperature. Data fitted well to Langmuir isotherm model suggesting the monolayer adsorption. MgFe2O4@N-GO showed better removal efficiency as compared to pristine N-GO/GO. Kinetic data displayed good correlation with pseudo-second order model. ΔG and ΔS revealed the spontaneous nature of adsorption process. Nitrogen doping of GO enhanced its adsorption potential for Pb (II) and As (III) ions. Its nanofabrication with MgFe2O4 further increased the potential of MgFe2O4@N-GO nanocomposite for the removal of metal ions and imparted considerable saturation magnetization to it. For large scale application, agglomeration of MgFe2O4 NPs can be reduced on addition of N-GO in MgFe2O4. Regeneration studies revealed that the magnetic nanocomposite can be reused, thus making the adsorption process economically feasible. Synergistic adsorption of heavy metal ions and photocatalytic degradation of p-nitrophenol was also studied using synthesized NPs. MgFe2O4@N-GO nanocomposite exhibited better photocatalytic potential for p-nitrophenol as compared to pristine MgFe2O4 NPs. This suggested the use of MgFe2O4@N-GO nanocomposite for synergistic adsorption and photocatalytic activity.

Nanofabrication of N-doped graphene oxide with magnesium ferrite for effective Pb (II) and As (III) sequestration: A comparative study

2019 Spring National Meeting

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