Selective capture of Hg(II) and Ag(I) from water by sulfur-functionalized polyamidoamine dendrimer/magnetic Fe3O4 hybrid materials

Heavy metal ions pollution in water system has been imposing serious damage to aquatic ecosystem and public health. Efficient and selective capture of targeted metal ion from water is a great challenge and the focus of extensive research. Herein, sulfur-functionalized polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer/magnetic Fe3O4 hybrid materials were constructed for capturing Hg(II) and Ag(I) from water solution. The as-prepared adsorbents were fully characterized and the factors that influence the adsorption performance were investigated. The maximum adsorption of Fe3O4@SiO2-M2 were 0.8 and 1.29 mmol∙g−1 for Hg(II) and Ag(I). The hybrid materials display good adsorption selectivity and 100% selective adsorb Hg(II) with the presence of Ni(II), Mn(II), and Zn(II). Adsorption mechanism suggests sulfur groups play the predominant role during the capture of Hg(II). These hybrid materials exhibit excellent regeneration property and can be reused with practical application value.