Polyaniline Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Magnetic Composite Prepared by Plasma-Induced Graft Technique and Its Application for Removal of Aniline and Phenol

Aniline molecules were grafted onto multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by using a plasma-induced grafting technique. The polyaniline (PANI) grafted MWCNTs (PANI/MWCNTs) were characterized by using ultraviolet−visible spectrophotometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis−differential thermal analysis, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated that the magnetic composite consisting of PANI/MWCNTs was synthesized. The application of PANI/MWCNTs for the removal of aniline and phenol from aqueous solutions was investigated under ambient conditions. The grafted PANI on MWCNTs contributed to the enhancement of the adsorption capacity because of the strong conjugate effect between PANI and organic pollutants. PANI/MWCNTs can be separated and recovered from aqueous solution by magnetic separation. The results show that PANI/MWCNTs are a promising magnetic material for the preconcentration and separation of organic pollutants from large volumes of aqueous solutions in environmental pollution cleanup.