Exploring magnetic particle surface embedded with imidazole-based deep eutectic solvent for diclofenac removal from pharmaceutical wastewater samples

This article described the use of imidazole-based deep eutectic solvents (DES) as functionalization agent for magnetic particles (Fe3O4) to form novel adsorbent and its application for diclofenac removal from pharmaceutical wastewater samples. A DES system was prepared by using imidazole in conjugation with chlorine chloride (ChCl-BuIM) as the hydrogen bond donor. Morphology, structure, property, and surface groups of the prepared adsorbents were investigated, and the adsorption study conditions were optimized. Results showed that the interaction between heterosporous surface of adsorbents and adsorbate molecules were through chemisorption mechanism. The adsorption was feasible, spontaneous, and exothermic. The analysis was further validated by using the adsorbents to remove diclofenac from pharmaceutical wastewater samples, whereby the percentage of removal was approximately 94.2%− 97.1% with low relative standard deviation (<˂3.01%). Overall, this study not only provided an inexpensive and eco-friendly adsorbent, but also developed a highly promising approach for the removal of diclofenac from pharmaceuticals wastewater samples.