Magnetic mineral nanocomposite sorbents for removal of surfactants

Magnetic nanocomposite sorbents MCSp for disposal of surfactants from wastewater were synthesized. Obtained sorbents based on clay mineral saponite and magnetite were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, IR-spectroscopy, Mossbauer spectroscopy and ballistic method with Steinberg magnetometer. As a result, the average crystallite sizes of Fe
₃
O
₄
nanoparticles in magnetic nanocomposites were 2-10 nm. These magnetic particles had super paramagnetic properties and were classified as soft magnetic materials. Sorption capacities of obtained magnetic nanocomposites relatively surfactants were in 2-4 times higher compared to the native clay and nanosized Fe
₃
O
₄
. Thus, for the created magnetic sorbents synergistic effect was observed. Spent magnetic nanocomposites were effectively removed from the aqueous solution by magnetic separation. So, the efficiency of magnetic composites application and implementing of magnetic separation in adsorption purification was confirmed.