Novel magnetic cross-linked polyethylenimine (MPEI) composites were successfully synthesized via a simple chemical reaction.
The MPEI composites showed dramatic adsorptive affinity to anionic dyes with different structures.
The electrostatic attraction between the MPEI composites and anionic dyes was the main adsorption mechanism.
The as-obtained material could be reused for the model textile effluent without a significant efficiency loss.
The highly stable MPEI could be used as a promising adsorptive material for the treatment of dyes-bearing wastewater.