Polythiophene modified chitosan/magnetite nanocomposites for heavy metals and selective mercury removal

Multi-functional nanocomposites were prepared based on magnetite nanoparticles, chitosan nanoparticles and polythiophene for efficient and selective mercury (II) removal from its aqueous solution. The prepared materials combine several functionalities; hydroxyl, amino, sulphur and phosphate groups in addition to the magnetite property of magnetite nanoparticles. The produced nanocomposites not only show a complete removal of mercury (II) ions but also a higher selectivity was recorded in presence of other metal ions over a wider pH range. Keywords: Chitosan, Magnetite nanoparticles, Polythiophene, Coating, Nanocomposites, Heavy metals uptake, Mercury uptake, Kinetics, Isotherm