Preparation of magnetically modified zeolites and the application of metal ions adsorption

Natural zeolites combined with the magnetic iron oxides are prepared by a chemical coprecipitation process. A detailed characterization of our magnetically modified zeolite (MMZ) is given, including powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The results reveal that in comparison with Na-zeolite, the structure of MMZ has no obvious change but its surface area increases from 25.13 m(2) g(-1) to 100.90 m(2) g(-1). The adsorption properties of MMZ to Pb2+ and Cu2+ were studied. The results show that the maximum loading capacities for Pb2+ and Cu2+ in the initial concentration range are 123.74 and 14.633 mg g(-1) respectively. The MMZ can be used as an adsorbent for removal of heavy metal ions from industrial effluents or municipal waters, and the saturated adsorbent is separated from the medium by a simple magnetic process.