Core–Shell Magnetic Fe3O4@ZnS Nanoparticles As Highly Efficient Adsorbents for the Removal of Pb2+ from Water

Here, we report a novel magnetic Fe3O4@ZnS core–shell nanoparticles (NPs) that can be potentially used as effective adsorbents for the adsorption and removal of Pb2+ from water. The core–shell NPs were successfully prepared by a facile hydrothermal method. Further, the prepared Fe3O4@ZnS was proven to be a highly efficient adsorbent for the adsorption of Pb2+ from water. The results indicated that the magnetic core–shell materials can remove Pb2+ from water with a wide range of initial concentrations. Significantly, the Fe3O4@ZnS magnetic adsorbents exhibited high adsorption affinity (Kd = 3.19 × 104 mL g–1) with the uptake capacity of 271.74 mg g–1 for Pb2+ removal at room temperature. Pb-Containing Fe3O4@ZnS adsorbents can be easily separated from water by a magnet due to the presence of magnetic core. Effective performances as well as easy magnetic separation features suggest Fe3O4@ZnS material is a promising candidate for water remediation.