Interfacial Redox Extraction of KMnO₄ from Aqueous Bulk Solution by Surface-Active Functionalized Fe₃O₄ Magnetic Nanoparticles

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide KMnO 4 with prominent clinical applications becomes toxic if used beyond permissible limits. Functionalized iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) acted as valuable vehicles to extract KMnO 4 through interfacial redox processes. We presented two kinds of protocols, i.e., a titration method with cyclodextrin (CD), crown ether (CE), and cationic dextran (DEAE)-functionalized water-soluble magnetic NPs and a batch method with surfactant-stabilized surface-active magnetic NPs. Both methods demonstrated the extraction through a surface catalytic redox reaction of MnO 4 – ions. The extraction was mainly accomplished through the interfacial reduction of MnO 4 – ions into MnO via different intermediates. Unpassivated crystal planes of magnetic NPs participated in the interfacial reduction that was simultaneously monitored with UV–visible and quantified with IR studies. ICP, XPS, XRD, and SEM measurements performed the elemental analysis and highlighted the participation of cationic functionalities in the extraction of MnO 4 – ions through electrostatic interactions. Both protocols documented the unique ability of functionalized magnetic NPs to extract KMnO 4 from aqueous bulk at room temperature in the form of crystalline MnO to produce MnO–Fe 3 O 4 hybrid magnetic NPs.