Preparation and assessment of magnetic graphene oxide/chitosan composite for removing radiocobalt from aqueous solution

A novel adsorbent of magnetic graphene oxide/chitosan (MGOC) composite has been prepared via chemical cross-linking method, and exhibits an extraordinary sorption capacity (about 59.82 mg/g) towards cobalt ions. The batch experiments revealed that MGOC is weakly affected by ionic strength and pH-dependent for cobalt ions sorption. The sorption process is spontaneous and endothermic according to thermodynamic parameters, following the pseudo-second-order model. In view of low price, high adsorption capacity, great saturation magnetization and perfect reusability, the MGOC composite maybe has a potential value in treatment of radiocobalt-containing wastewater.