Simultaneous removal of Co(II) and 1-naphthol by core–shell structured Fe3O4@cyclodextrin magnetic nanoparticles

Herein, β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was introduced on the surfaces of Fe3O4 particles via the chemical co-precipitation approach. The as-prepared Fe3O4@CD MNPs can be easily separated from the aqueous phase with a magnet. The removal performance of Fe3O4@CD MNPs toward Co(II) and 1-naphthol were investigated by using the batch technique. The maximum sorption capacities of Fe3O4@CD MNPs toward Co(II) and 1-naphthol are higher than a series of adsorbent materials. The simultaneous removal of Co(II) and 1-naphthol is achieved via the binding of Co(II) on the external surface sites of Fe3O4@CD MNPs and the incorporation of 1-naphthol into the hydrophobic cavity of surface-coated β-CD. The Fe3O4@CD MNPs exhibit favorable removal performance toward Co(II) and 1-naphthol from the simulated effluent. The experimental results herein suggest that Fe3O4@CD MNPs can be used as cost-effective material for the purification of co-contaminated water systems.