Magnetic magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticle synthesis and applications for lead (Pb2+) and chromium (Cr6+) removal from water.

Magnetic magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles synthesized by chemical co-precipitation were characterized using XRD, TEM, SEM-EDX, FT-IR, ED-XRF, PPMS, point of zero charge (pHpzc) and surface area measurements. As-prepared Fe3O4 nanoparticles were successful for aqueous Cr(6+) and Pb(2+) removal. Batch adsorption experiments systematically investigated the influence of pH, temperature, contact time and adsorbate/adsorbent concentration on Cr(6+) and Pb(2+) adsorption. Maximum Cr(6+) and Pb(2+) removal occurred at pH 2.0 and 5.0, respectively. Sorption data fit pseudo-second order kinetics, indicating a chemical adsorption. The Freundlich, Langmuir, Redlich-Peterson, Toth, Radke and Sips adsorption isotherm models were applied to describe equilibrium data. The Sips and Langmuir models best described Cr(6+) and Pb(2+) adsorption on magnetite nanoparticles, respectively. The maximum Langmuir adsorption capacities were 34.87 (Cr(6+)) and 53.11 (Pb(2+))mg/g at 45°C, respectively. Fe3O4 nanoparticles are promising potential adsorbents and exhibited remarkable reusability for metal ions removal in water and wastewater treatment.