A New Nanocomposite from Vesuvian Slope Pinecones for Azo-Dyes Removal

Abstract

The preparation of a novel magnetic adsorbent was reported. It was obtained through a simple electrostatic self-assembly approach and consists of anionic nanocellulose, obtained from Vesuvian slopes pinecones wastes, supporting polyethylenimine (PEI)-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The prepared adsorbent was successfully used for Methyl Red (MR) dye removal. In particular, the removal efficiency was >98%, at 45 °C, pH 4, and adsorbent concentration of 1.4 g/L. Moreover, after five experiments, the adsorption capacity was still ∼88%, indicating that the prepared adsorbent has excellent adsorption capacity after regeneration.