Efficient removal of metal ions from aqueous solutions using MoS2 functionalized chitosan Schiff base incorporated with Fe3O4 nanoparticle

In the present work a novel pyrazole based chitosan Schiff base material was prepared using 5-azido-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde and functionalized using Fe3O4-MoS2, where the nanoparticles get embedded within the gel matrix. The composite material was characterized using various techniques such as XRD, SEM, FTIR, EDS and TGA. The adsorbent material was analysed for the adsorptive take up process from the aqueous solutions of metal ion concentration ranging 20–100 mgL−1. The maximum adsorption capacity obtained for the material was 200.00 and 125.00 mg/g for Cr(VI) and Cu(II) respectively. Adsorptive mechanism was found to have pseudo second order kinetics and the adsorption isotherm followed Langmuir adsorption model following the monolayer adsorptive process. Further the evaluated thermodynamic parameter showed the adsorption process to be spontaneous and endothermic in nature. Reusability of the composite material was achieved using suitable stripping solutions.