ABSTRACT:Magnetic iron oxide/carbon nanotube (MI–CNT) hybrids have been successfully synthesized through a simple solid-phase method by using as-prepared CNTs(APCNTs). To further enhance the adsorption capacity for AsIII, MI–CNTs were subsequently functionalized by using an amino acid derivative (glutathione (GSH)) through a facile chemical route. CNTs not only act as a support for iron oxide but also significantly contribute to arsenic removal. The resulting GMI–CNTs possess simultaneously a high adsorption capacity and desirable magnetic properties, thus making them promising for use as an adsorbent to remove AsIII with significantly enhanced adsorption capacity (19.12 mg g-1) and desired magnetic separation properties (Ms = 27.3 emu g-1). Adsorption studies indicated that the active sites on the surface of GMI–CNTs for AsIII are heterogeneous owing to the multiphase of Fe and the GSH functionalization. Therefore GMI–CNTscan potentially be used as apractical adsorbent for the decontamination of AsIII in water.The results of this study are highly important for practical applicationsof as-prepared CNTsthat contain catalyst nanoparticles.