Luna-Pineda T., Román-Velázquez F.
University Of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, PR
Keywords: calcium alginate beads, magnetite, nanocomposite
Our work addressed the development of a multi-purpose sorbent consisting of magnetite (Fe304) nanoparticles functionalized by dimercaptosuccnic acid (DMSA) and dispersed into porous calcium alginate beads (CAB). The resultant magnetic nanocomposite (MO-CAB) can be considered a novel, inexpensive and environmental-friendly sorbent to remove a variety of pollutants from water. Moreover, the magnetic nature of the nanocomposite will allow their fast recovery in actual water treatment schemes. CAB were prepared by drop-wise addition of an low viscosity alginate solution to a calcium chloride solution. Cross-linking time and beads drying method have been evaluated to obtain best mechanical strength in the sorbent. Magnetite nanoparticles averaging 12nm in crystal size were synthesized by coprecipitation. The composite was prepared by dispersing the nanoparticles at various volumetric loads during the formation of the alginate beads. In order to characterize the Mo CAB we used FTIR, XRD and magnetization analysis. In the FTIR spectrum we verified magnetite functionalization with DMSA.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Nanotechnology 2009: Life Sciences, Medicine, Diagnostics, Bio Materials and Composites
Published: May 3, 2009
Pages: 495 - 498
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topic: Composite Materials
ISBN: 978-1-4398-1783-4