Removeal of Arsenic(III) from Water by Using a New Class of Zero-Valent Iron Modified Mesoporous Silica Molecular Sieves SBA-15

Abstract

An elevated arsenic (As) content in groundwater imposes a great threat to people worldwide. Thus, developing new and cost-effective methods to remove As from groundwater and drinking water becomes a priority. Using Zero-Valent iron (ZVI) to remove As from water is a proven technology. In this study, ZVI modified SBA-15 mesoporous silicamolecular sieves (ZVI-SBA-15), was prepared, characterized, and used for removing arsenic from water. Wet impregnation, drying, and calcination steps led to iron inclusion within the mesopores. Iron oxide was reduced to ZVI by NaBH4, and the ZVI modified SBA-15 was obtained. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the preparation process of the nitrate to oxide forms. The structure of the materials was confirmed by Powder X-ray diffraction. Its data indicated that the structure of ZVI-SBA-15 retained the host SBA-15 structure. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis revealed a decrease in surface area and pore size, indicating ZVI-SBA-15 coating on the inner surfaces. Transmission electron micrographs also confirmed that modified SBA-15 retained the structure of the parent SBA-15 silica.It has a high uptake capability(more than 90 pecent) make it potentially attractive absorbent for the removal of arsenic from water.