Preparation of magnetic composite based on chitosan/carbon nanotubes for reactive blue 198 and lead (II) ion removal

This study involved synthesizing a magnetic composite material of chitosan and carbon nanotubes using the freeze-drying process. The composite was created by mixing chitosan (CS), carbon nanotubes (CNT), and Fe3O4 in different ratios (w/w) (1.2:0.3:0.5, 1.2:0.5:0.3, 1.2:0.6:0.2 and 1.2:0.7:0.1). Results showed that the most porous structure was achieved with a ratio of 1.2:0.5:0.3 for CS:CNT:Fe3O4 (w/w). Various analytical methods such as FT-IR, SEM, XRD, and TGA were employed to determine the characteristics of the composite. The composite material was tested for its ability to adsorb Pb2+ heavy metal ions and reactive blue 198 (RB198) at concentrations ranging from 25 to 100 ppm. The study also investigated the effects of adsorbent amount, pH, and equilibrium time on the adsorption performance of the material.