Synthesis, Characterization, and Adsorption Performance of Magnetic Hydrogels from Apocynum Leaf Cellulose and Chitosan

Abstract This study explores the synthesis and characterization of novel hydrogels derived from cellulose extracted from Apocynum venetum leaves, combined with chitosan, and further modified into magnetic hydrogels with varying magnetic strengths. The hydrogels—cellulose-based (CH), chitosan-based (QH), and magnetic variants (MC, MQ)—were characterized using SEM, FTIR, XRD, and VSM techniques. Adsorption tests were conducted to evaluate their efficiency in removing contaminants, specifically CR dye and Cu ions. Results indicated that CH hydrogels exhibited a remarkable CR adsorption capacity due to their porous structure, while QH hydrogels demonstrated superior Cu removal, attributed to strong chelation with amine groups. Magnetic hydrogels, particularly MQ, showed enhanced adsorption capabilities, benefiting from increased surface roughness and additional active sites. These findings suggest that the synthesized hydrogels, especially the magnetic variants, offer significant advantages over traditional adsorbents, highlighting their potential for practical applications in wastewater treatment. This research contributes to the development of efficient, sustainable solutions for environmental remediation.