Lead adsorption study on combustion derived gamma-Fe2O3 surface

Abstract

New combustion synthetic route for the synthesis of nanosized gamma-Fe2O3 by microwave-assisted route is reported. X-ray density, tap density and powder density of prepared gamma-Fe2O3 are calculated. Adsorption study of Pb2+ on combustion derived nanosized gamma-Fe2O3 is studied by dynamic method. The gamma-Fe2O3 structure and lead adsorbed gamma-Fe2O3 (Pb-gamma-Fe2O3) are studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Additional lead peaks in Pb-gamma-Fe2O3 sample pattern confirm the lead adsorption. Morphology of as prepared gamma-Fe2O3 and Pb-gamma-Fe2O3 is studied by scanning electron micrograph (SEM) technique. Varied morphology for Pb-gamma-Fe2O3 compared to its gamma-Fe2O3 is observed. Variation of bonding in Pb-gamma-Fe2O3 sample due to lead adsorption is viewed by infrared spectroscopic (IR) technique. Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX) is scanned for the lead adsorbed gamma-Fe2O3 to know the presence of lead on gamma-Fe2O3 surface. The eluent lead solution is characterized by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and solution conductivity (SC). Reduction in the concentration and increase in conductance of eluent lead solution is observed. The potential use of solid adsorbents for the adsorption of heavy metal pollutants is envisaged in the present work.