Abstract
In this study, magnetic Fe3O4 particles and Fe3O4-Ag0 nanocomposites were prepared by a facile and green method, fully characterized and used for the removal of Hg2+ from water. Characterizations showed that the Fe3O4 particles are quasi-spherical with an average diameter of 217 nm and metallic silver nanoparticles formed on the surface with a size of 23–41 nm. The initial Hg2+ removal rate was very fast followed by a slow increase and the maximum solid phase loading was 71.3 mg/g for the Fe3O4-Ag0 and 28 mg/g for the bare Fe3O4. The removal mechanism is complex, involving Hg2+ adsorption and reduction, Fe2+ and Ag0 oxidation accompanied with reactions of Cl− with Hg+ and Ag+. The facile and green synthesis process, the fast kinetics and high removal capacity and the possibility of magnetic separation make Fe3O4-Ag0 nanocomposites attractive materials for the removal of Hg2+ from water.
Highlights
Mercury and its compounds are considered to be extremely hazardous pollutants
Such nanocomposites based on silica, magnetite, titanium oxide and alumina have been studied for the removal of heavy metals and mercury from water [15,16,17,18,19]
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis was used to investigate the morphology of as-prepared bare Fe3O4 particles and Fe3O4-Ag0 nanocomposites
Summary
Mercury and its compounds are considered to be extremely hazardous pollutants. Contamination of the environment with mercury has become a global problem and mercury polluted areas have been identified worldwide [1]. The amalgamation reaction can be greatly enhanced by utilizing Ag in the form of nanocomposites Such nanocomposites based on silica, magnetite, titanium oxide and alumina have been studied for the removal of heavy metals and mercury from water [15,16,17,18,19]. Magnetite-based nanocomposites are being broadly studied for use in water purification owing to their low cost, simple application, and absence of toxicity towards the environment [20,21]. The synthesis process should be low-cost and scalable for mass production Such a green synthesis of Ag nanoparticles on magnetic iron oxide modified by a herbal tea extract has been studied for antibacterial activity and 4-nitrophenol reduction [37]. The mechanism of mercury removal is discussed in detail and verified by advanced characterization methods
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