Magnetic sweet graphene nanosheets: preparation, characterization and application in removal of methylene blue

Abstract

Magnetic glucose-functionalized graphene nanosheets (GNS) were prepared, and the application of these biosorbents in the removal of methylene blue was investigated. Fe3O4 nanoparticles were deposited on sweet GNS using co-precipitation. The nanocomposites were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transition electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer and X-ray diffraction spectrometry. The resulted magnetic sweet GNS were superparamagnetic, responded quickly to an external magnetic field and exhibited efficient adsorption toward methylene blue, as a cationic dye. No leaching was observed even after a week of placing a magnet close to the vial containing the solution of magnetic sweet GNS.