Facile synthesis of magnetic polypyrrole composite nanofibers and their application in Cr(VI) removal

The magnetic polypyrrole (PPy) composite nanofibers are prepared in a simple one-pot method via in situ chemical polymerization of pyrrole in the presence of methyl orange, followed by the treatment of ammonia solution. The effect of methyl orange (MO) on the morphology of the magnetic PPy nanocomposites was investigated. The composite nanofibers were used as an efficient adsorbent to remove Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. Moreover, because of the magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles in the composites, it is easy for the composites to be separated from waste water by external magnet. These composites with hierarchical structures are expected to be a potential candidate for water treatment. (C) 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers