The
emerging contaminant 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)
has been shown to have harmful effects on the environment and human
health. These contaminants present a critical challenge in water remediation.
Herein, a magnetic composite composed of silica-coated magnesium ferrite
nanoparticles and glutaraldehyde-cross-linked polyethylenimine polymer
(i.e., MgFe2O4@SiO2/GA-PEI composite)
was synthesized to use as an effective adsorbent for the removal of
2,4-D. The successful preparation of the MgFe2O4@SiO2/GA-PEI composite using the optimal synthesis condition
was confirmed through XRD, TGA-DTG, FTIR, zeta potential analysis,
solid-state 13C NMR, TEM, SEM, EDS, VSM, and organic functional
group tests. The adsorption behavior of 2,4-D by this composite was
systematically investigated. The results showed that the MgFe2O4@SiO2/GA-PEI composite exhibited not
only pH-dependent adsorption behavior but also an ultrahigh adsorption
capacity (∼1631 mg g–1) for 2,4-D. The efficient
adsorption of 2,4-D is due to the large numbers of functional groups
(i.e., hydroxy and amines) in the obtained composite. Furthermore,
the electrostatic interaction between the composite and 2,4-D molecules
significantly influenced the adsorption behavior. The reusability
test indicated that the MgFe2O4@SiO2/GA-PEI composite revealed the effective adsorption of 2,4-D after
five adsorption–desorption cycles. This newly designed heterogeneous
magnetic hybrid composite provides a unique foundation to perform
ultrahigh removal capacity, easy separation, and reusability for
harmful pesticide 2,4-D in water remediation.