Intermetallic FeSb2 as a Novel Adsorbent for the Efficient Decontamination of Lead Ions from Aquatic Systems**

Abstract

AbstractHerein, an efficient adsorbent based on intermetallics was developed for the adsorption of Pb(II) from aqueous solutions. Mesoporous FeSb2 particles were synthesized via a cost‐effective co‐precipitation method. The structural and morphological characterizations of FeSb2 were evaluated using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET), and zeta potential. The batch adsorption tests were performed as a function of initial Pb(II) concentration (5–70 mg L−1), contact time (24 h), pH (2–9), FeSb2 content (0.2–0.8 g L−1), and recyclability (6 cycles), to evaluate the efficacy of FeSb2 particles for Pb(II) removal. The adsorption behavior of FeSb2 was found to match well with the pseudo‐second‐order kinetics and Freundlich isotherm model. The experimental maximum adsorption capacity (qm) was achieved as 86.625 mg g−1 for a Pb(II) concentration of 70 mg L−1. This value was found to be in good agreement with the value predicted by the Langmuir model, which was 88.26 mg g−1. Overall, this work documented the high potential of intermetallic FeSb2 for the efficient removal of extremely dangerous Pb(II) ions and laid the foundation for other intermetallics in a new role of adsorbent for various wastewater treatments.