Synthesis and Characterization of Sodium Carboxy Methyl Cellulose/Poly (Acrylamide) Magnetic Nano Composite Semi Ipn's for Removal of Heavy Metal Ions

Sodium carboxy methyl cellulose (NaCMC)/poly(acrylamide) cross linked with N,N-methylene bisacrylamide semi IPN hydrogels were prepared using redox polymerization technique. These hydrogels are used for the preparation of nano composite hydrogels with magnetic properties were further utilized for the removal of toxic metal ions. Semi IPN hydrogels were characterized by Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Magnetic properties of hydrogels were characterized by vibration sample magnetometer (VSM). Swelling studies performed in water have been analyzed with the help of an empirical equation to investigate the diffusion mechanism. The sorption behavior with respect to contact time, initial pH, initial metal ion concentration, was investigated to determine the optimum sorption conditions. The adsorption capacities of Cu and Ni on the semi IPN gels and magnetic +2 +2 nano composite semi IPN's were 0.74, 0.88 mM/g and 0.44, 0.58 mM/g, respectively. Desorption studies were also performed in acid media and EDTA, to observe whether the gels can be utilized as reusable tool for the metal ion removal. Compared to pure hydrogels the composite hydrogels are superior properties for removal of toxic metal ions.