Ferrite Particles Research Articles

Preparation and Characterization of Magnetic Polymeric Micro- and Nanocomposites for Industrial Applications

ABSTRACT To optimize cost and weight and streamline the manufacturing process of existing soft magnetic components, which currently rely on metallic soft magnetic particles, an innovative approach involving the preparation of high-performance magnetic polymeric composites is proposed. These composites are based on soft magnetic ferrite particles with high Curie temperature and magnetic saturation, along with low coercivity and remanent magnetization, and are used as fillers in thermoplastic polymers. To achieve these goals, cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) micro- and nanoparticles were synthesized by two different methos: solid-state reaction and coprecipitation. The as-obtained particles were used to fabricate soft magnetic polymer composites by extrusion and injection molding methods. The successful synthesis of cobalt ferrite was confirmed by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. The magnetic behavior of cobalt ferrites and polymer composites was also investigated by vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). This study shows that these new high-performance soft magnetic polymer composites can be used as alternative materials for the manufacture of magnetic components such as inductors and transformers and that their low cost and lightweight make them suitable for the manufacture of magnetic components.

Enhancing electromagnetic interference mitigation: A comprehensive study on the synthesis and shielding capabilities of polypyrrole/cobalt ferrite nanocomposites

In a society increasingly infiltrated by digital and networking technologies, designing electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials is critical for safeguarding sensitive electronic equipment and ensuring the smooth functioning of essential communication networks. This study focuses on the optimization of the properties of cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4)/polypyrrole (PPy) nanocomposites made by in-situ polymerization used for electromagnetic (EM) shielding based on their magnetic and dielectric losses. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and vector network analyzer (VNA) were employed to study the materials' physical and chemical characteristics. The findings demonstrate that the magnetic and electric properties of the materials composed of CoFe2O4 and PPy are substantially altered by the integration of CoFe2O4 and PPy. Adding PPy to CoFe2O4 reduces the real and imaginary parts of magnetic permeability, and the conductivity, dielectric constant, and dielectric loss are increased. These effects are advantageous for EM shielding applications. The high electromagnetic shielding performance mainly results from the enhanced interfacial polarization induced by interface region among CoFe2O4 and PPy molecules. The influence of the PPy matrix in altering the dielectric and magnetic loss factors (tanδE and tanδM) of the embedded ferrite particles is pronounced. Although CoFe2O4 shows excellent attenuation characteristics, it cannot optimally match impedance with free space, particularly at higher frequencies. In addition, material thickness and shielding efficiency adjust the reflection loss (RL) performance. The prepared composites can attenuate more than 95 % of the incident electromagnetic waves. This study emphasizes the benefits of employing composite materials in EMI shielding designs and the combined advantages of conductive and magnetic materials.

Durably Superhydrophobic Magnetic Cobalt Ferrites for Highly Efficient Oil-Water Separation and Fast Microplastic Removal.

Microplastic pollution has become a primary global concern in the 21st century. Recyclable magnetic particles with micro-nanostructures are considered an efficient and economical way to remove microplastics from water. In this study, superhydrophobic magnetic cobalt ferrite particles were prepared by using a simple coprecipitation method combined with surface functionalization. The micromorphology, chemical composition, hysteresis loop, and surface contact angle of the functionalized cobalt ferrite were characterized. The separation efficiency and absorption capacity of cobalt ferrite particles in water-oil separation and microplastic removal were investigated. The results showed that the saturation magnetic field intensity of cobalt ferrite was 65.52 emu/g, the residual magnetization intensity (Mr) was 18.79 emu/g, and the low coercivity was 799.83 Oe. Cobalt ferrites had stable superhydrophobicity in the pH range of 1-13. The separation efficiency of cobalt ferrite powder for four oil-water mixture separations was higher than 94.2%. The separation efficiency was as high as 99.6% in the separation of the hexane and water mixtures. Due to the synergistic effect of the hydrophobic effect and van der Waals force, the functionalized magnetic cobalt ferrite had a high and stable microplastic removal efficiency and capture capacity. The removal efficiency of microplastics was close to 100%, and the capture capacity was 2.56 g/g. After ten microplastic removal cycles, the removal efficiency reached more than 98%, and the surface contact angle was still greater than 150°.

Hybrid CoFe2O4-CNTs-graphene: Synthesis and characterization for energy storage devices

Hybrid materials play a crucial role in a spectrum of energy storage devices. Among them CoFe2O4–CNT–graphene hybrid stands out as versatile magnetic materials with wide-ranging applications spanning electronics, magnetism, and sensor industries. In this study, we synthesized CoFe2O4–CNT–graphene hybrid utilizing ultrasonication method. This fabrication method resulted in the formation of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles, along with bamboo-like carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanosheets which collectively establish an open three-dimensional structure. Thorough analyses were conducted on the synthesized nano-composites employing various characterization techniques such as XRD, FT-IR, Raman and FESEM. Further characterization through XPS confirmed the formation of spinel ferrites, detecting the presence of carbon sp2, C1s, carboxylates (O-C-OH), and sp3 carbon, indicating the presence of carbon‑carbon (CC) bonds and confirms the energy levels of Co2p1/2 and Co2p3/2 indicating the effective incorporation of CFO onto the CNT/graphene surface. Analysis of dielectric parameters revealed promising characteristics for high-frequency devices, attributed to low dielectric loss, high quality factor, short relaxation time, and diverse responses exhibited by these materials. The M–H loops of the composite samples displayed ferromagnetic hysteresis behavior due to the presence of ferrite in the matrices. The coercivity value shows a slight improvement in the hybrid samples, while saturation magnetization values decrease, indicating a 1:1 weight ratio of ferrite particles to the host matrix with the incorporation of nonmagnetic CNTs and graphene, and the Hc value increases with the addition of these carbon-based materials due to increased surface anisotropy energy. Upon evaluation of dielectric and magnetic properties the hybrid materials demonstrated an enhanced dielectric and magnetic properties which render these materials suitable for utilization across a spectrum of energy storage devices.

Comparison of microstructure and tribological behavior for ductile iron with quench-tempered and intensive quench-tempered

In recent years, the intensive quenched process has gained significant attention due to its low energy consumption and absence of pollution. The tribological behavior of traditional quenched and tempered ductile iron (DI_QAT) and an innovative intensive quenched and tempered ductile iron (DI_IQAT) was investigated. Both DI_QAT and DI_IQAT consist of graphite, ferrite and cementite particles. Compared to DI_QAT, DI_IQAT exhibits higher hardness, impact toughness, and yield strength. Wear tests indicate that the friction coefficient of DI_IQAT is lower and the wear resistance of DI_IQAT surpasses that of DI_QAT, it is mainly related to its enhanced wear-resistant structure. Examination of the wear surface morphology reveals that the primary wear mechanisms for DI_QAT and DI_IQAT involve adhesive and abrasive wear.

Flash combustion prepared Sm and Co doped Sr hexaferrite for environmental applications

AbstractNanotechnology is offering solutions to water contamination issues, as new techniques are needed to improve the removal of harmful compounds from water bodies. Despite previous reviews on this topic, nanotechnology is paving the way for more effective water treatment methods. Understanding the substitute influence of divalent Co2+ and rare earth elements Sm3+ on the structure, magnetic, and removal efficiency of hexagonal ferrites requires an understanding of a sequence of SrFe12O19, SrFe11.5Co0.5O19, Sr0.95Sm0.05Fe12O19, and Sr0.95Sm0.05Fe11.5Co0.5O19 M-type hexagonal ferrites were prepared using the flash technique. The XRD examination revealed that the crystallized material formed a single M-type hexagonal phase. The characteristics of M-type hexagonal ferrites include absorption bands with low wavenumbers in the FTIR curves between 400 to 1000 cm−1. There was a variation in magnetic characteristics with the replacement of Sm3+ and Co2+ doping, possibly due to the spin canting impact created by rare earth Sm3+ and Co2+ ions. The goal of the research is to explore the potential of doping magnetic hexaferrites and its influence in wastewater treatment. Various parameters, such as pH and contact duration, that influence the adsorption of lead ions from aqueous solutions were also examined. At pH 7 and 25 °C after 70min, the maximal removal efficiency of the Sr0.95Sm0.05Fe11.5Co0.5O19 was found to be 99%. Magnetic separation was carried out by applying an external magnetic field using a permanent magnet. The strong magnetization of the ferrites (51–58 emu/g) enabled the rapid separation of the magnetic particles from the solution, with over 95% of the ferrite particles being recovered within 10 to 70 min. The Freundlich isotherm model fitted all the isotherm data. Adsorption kinetics were explained by the pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second order, and intraparticle diffusion models. The investigated samples’ adsorption capacity remained efficient till 5 cycles.

Influence of the glycine/nitrites ratio on the anisotropy field of nickel ferrite nanoparticles

Nanosized particles of nickel ferrite were manufactured by the combustion method using different glycine/nitrites ratios. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) showed, respectively, that the crystallite size, the particle size and the anisotropy field of the particles increased significantly as the glycine/nitrite rate increased. Magnetization and FMR data were used to determine the anisotropy constant and the cation distribution of the particles as functions of the glycine/nitrate ratio. The results could be useful to customize nickel ferrite nanoparticles for practical applications such as drug delivery, cancer therapy and supercapacitors.

Rational design of Boerhavia diffusa derived CoFe2O4-Carbon dots@Boehmite platform for photocatalysis and ultra trace monitoring of hazardous pesticide and UO22+ ions

In view of exploiting natural resources for designing of effectual materials in favor of detection and obliteration of water pollutants, a fluorescent nanomaterial (CDBHCF) based on biomass derived carbon dots (CDs) was constructed. The CDs and cobalt ferrite (CF) particles were anchored on boehmite (BH) which served as a support material for CDs. The CDBHCF nanocomposite was prepared via facile hydrothermal treatment for selective recognition of Methyl parathion (MP) pesticide and uranyl ions (UO22+). The corresponding structural, morphological and opto-electronic properties of the nanomaterials have been investigated by different physicochemical techniques. The fluorescent CDBHCF probe was employed to detect extremely low concentration of MP and UO22+ with detection limit of 22.4 nM and 4.4 nM, respectively. Ultimately, the proposed sensing platform was validated through real sample analysis. Besides, CDBHCF nanocomposite was utilized for photocatalytic abolition of Tetracycline (TC) in water samples. Initially, the impact of various operational parameters on the degradation efficiency, including catalyst dosage and initial pH were thoroughly examined. Under optimized conditions, the fabricated CDBHCF nanocomposite demonstrated excellent results for photocatalytic degradation of TC (92 % degradation in 120 min) under visible light illumination. Thus, the proposed strategy delivered an innovative insight for dual purpose of CDBHCF nanocomposite: as a fluorescent probe for real time monitoring and as a photocatalyst for removal of pollutants via simple photocatalytic degradation.

4D printing of the ferrite permanent magnet BaFe12O19 and its intelligent shape memory effect

4D printing of the barium ferrite permanent magnets provides new opportunities for intelligent structure and process innovation of permanent magnets. In this paper, the preparation, filament manufacture, and intelligent printing methods with shape memory/recovery effect are studied for the barium ferrite permanent magnet. Firstly, the PLA/TPU/BaFe12O19 composite materials are developed by adding different contents of ferrite permanent magnet BaFe12O19 powders into the PLA/TPU (polylactic acid/thermoplastic polyurethane) matrix. The weight percentage of the BaFe12O19 is 10–40 wt% with an interval of 10 wt%. Secondly, the composites are pelletized and further extruded to manufacture composite filaments with different BaFe12O19 contents. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used for the microstructural analysis. The BaFe12O19 particles are uniformly distributed in the PLA/TPU matrix, and the slight particle agglomeration phenomenon occurs in the composite filaments with 30 and 40 wt% BaFe12O19. The thermal properties of PLA/TPU/BaFe12O19 composite filaments are analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). After adding the barium ferrite particles, the glass transition temperature of the composite filaments changes within a small range from 53.5 °C to 55 °C. Thirdly, the filaments are successfully manufactured to magnet parts by the fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing for the tests of mechanical, magnetic, and shape recovery properties. With the increase of the barium ferrite content, the magnetic properties show a rising trend, proving the feasibility of using 3D printing technology to make magnets. The shape memory effects of the printed parts are excellent and the shape recovery ratios show a rising trend, from 85.6 % to 88.9 % under heat contact stimulus and from 88.9 % to 97.8 % under electromagnetic induction non-contact stimulus. Relatively, the parts hold fast response speed due to direct contact with the heat source under the heat stimulus, and the parts hold higher shape recovery ratios due to more heats produced under the electromagnetic induction stimulus. The addition of magnetic particles is helpful to improve the heat transfer ability and provide the possibility of non-contact heat transfer. The magnetic parts with complex structure and intelligent shape memory/recovery effect can be achieved for special application requirements. As a result, the research of this paper expands preparation methods of new magnetic composite materials, explores the manufacture process for intelligent magnets and lays a solid foundation for the development of new permanent magnet devices.

Pseudo-Core-Shell Permalloy (Supermalloy)@ZnFe2O4 Powders and Spark Plasma Sintered Compacts Based on Mechanically Alloyed Powders.

Soft magnetic composite cores were produced by spark plasma sintering (SPS) from Ni3Fe@ZnFe2O4 and NiFeMo@ZnFe2O4 pseudo-core-shell powders. In the Fe-Ni alloys@ZnFe2O4 pseudo-core-shell composite powders, the core is a large nanocrystalline Permalloy or Supermalloy particle obtained by mechanical alloying, and the shell is a pseudo continuous layer of Zn ferrite particles. The pseudo-core-shell powders have been compacted by SPS at temperatures between 500-700 °C, with a holding time of 0 min. Several techniques were used for the characterisation of the powders and sintered compacts: X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, magnetic hysteresis measurements (DC and AC), and electrical resistivity. The electrical resistivity is stabilised at values of about 7 × 10-3 Ω·m for sintering temperatures between 600-700 °C and this value is three orders of magnitude higher than the electrical resistivity of sintered Fe compacts. The best relative initial permeability was obtained for the Supermalloy/ZnFe2O4 composite compacts sintered at 600 °C, which decreases linearly for the entire frequency range studied, from around 95 to 50. At a frequency of 2000 Hz, the power losses are smaller than 1.5 W/kg. At a frequency of 10 kHz, the power losses are larger, but they remain at a reduced level. In the case of Supermalloy/ZnFe2O4 composite compact SPS-ed at 700 °C, the specific power losses are even lower than 5 W/kg. The power losses' decomposition proved that intra-particle losses are the main type of losses.

Synergistically enhanced electromagnetic absorption in barium ferrite/hollow carbon spheres/epoxy composites

The ongoing technological advancements have emphasized the importance of absorbent coatings, which are essential for effectively absorbing electromagnetic waves across various industries, including electronics, healthcare, and security systems. In this research, barium ferrite particles and hollow spherical carbon particles have been synthesized to investigate the synergistic effect of different compounds in absorbing electromagnetic waves in the epoxy coating. The barium ferrite particles were synthesized in two distinctive rod and spherical morphologies at 600 and 900 °C, employing the sol-gel technique. Also, hollow spherical carbon particles were synthesized. Synthesized particles were analyzed structurally and chemically with an X-ray Powder Diffraction, Fourier infrared spectrometer, vibrating‐sample magnetometer, field emission Scanning Electron, and Raman spectroscopy.The absorption characteristics of a coating that contains rod and spherical morphologies of barium ferrite and hollow spherical carbon particles can be adjusted by controlling the amounts of synthetic compounds in the 8–12 GHz range. The results indicate that combining rod-shaped barium ferrite particles (900 °C) and hollow spherical carbon particles in a thin epoxy coating improves impedance matching and wave attenuation. Notably, when the epoxy coating is 1.5–2 mm thick and contains 20 % rod-shaped barium ferrite particles (900 °C) and 1 % hollow spherical carbon particles, reflection loss values of < -20 dB are observed at frequencies of 10–12 GHz.

Synthesis and characterization of CuFe2O4 spinel ferrite for supercapacitor application

The present work describes the synthesis of spinel ferrites which is potentially active material for electrodes of supercapacitors with high theoretical capacitance. Using nitrate salts of respective metal ions with citric acid as a chelating agent CuFe2O4 spinel ferrite was prepared by using the sol-gel auto-combustion method. The formation of single-phase nano particles of CuFe2O4 spinel ferrite is confirmed form the X-ray diffraction pattern. The spherical morphology of copper ferrite nano particles is displayed by Field-emission Scanning Electron Microscopy. The electrochemical properties of CuFe2O4 spinel ferrite has been investigated by Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Galvanostatic Charge-Discharge (GCD) tests. The specific capacitance of the prepared CuFe2O4 spinel ferrite is 238 F/g at the current density of 0.5 A/g. The corresponding power density is 118.29 W/kg and the energy density is 62.5 Wh/kg. The resultant CuFe2O4 spinel ferrite nanoparticles exhibit excellent electrochemical performance and can be a promising candidate for supercapacitor application.

Rietveld refinement and complex dielectric, modulus and impedance study of Ni0.27Cu0.10Zn0.63AlxFe2-xO4 bulk ceramics

The structural, electrical, and magnetic characteristics of NiCuZn bulk ceramics under the influence of trivalent Al with step size 0.02 have been prepared through the sol–gel synthesis method. Single-phase cubic spinel structure was confirmed from the XRD patterns which were also verified through Rietveld refinement analysis with lattice constant between 8.406 Ǻ to 8.416 Ǻ. The output was used to determine the cation distributions between A-sites and B-sites which revealed the B-site preferences of Al. The SEM micrographs showed the distribution of grain and grain boundary as ferrite particles. The law of approach to saturation technique was used to obtain hysteresis parameters which provided saturation magnetization in the range of 44 emu/g to 57 emu/g. Dielectric parameters were obtained by implementing an impedance analyzer and the dielectric constant was fitted theoretically for determining its nature. Electric modulus spectrum was also analyzed for the conduction mechanism of the prepared compounds. Impedance spectroscopy was used for finding electrical properties and Cole-Cole analysis provided the values of Rg and Rgb.

Integrating high-efficiency thermal channel construction and structural wave absorption design within vertically oriented SiC-coated carbon fibers/silicone resin composites

To match the increasing miniaturization and integration of electronic devices, higher requirements are put forward for the electromagnetic wave absorption (EWA) and thermal conductivity (Tc) of heat conduction-microwave absorption integrated materials (HCMWAIMs) to overcome the problems of electromagnetic wave (EMW) pollution and heat accumulation. Herein, a simple and efficient shear force induction technique is used to construct a carbon/magnetic isolation network within the silicone resin matrix, where ferrite particles are well dispersed in vertically oriented SiC-coated carbon fibers array. Benefiting from the orderly interconnection of CFs@SiC in the array, the prepared composites have a high Tc of 7.86 W m−1 K−1. The introduction of magnetic ferrite particles within the CFs@SiC array can induce electrical-magnetic coupling, optimize impedance matching, and enhance EMW attenuation. This synergy of V-CFs@SiC/ferrite isolation network structure gives the composites an excellent effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 5.88 GHz and a minimal reflection loss (RLmin) of −47.5 dB at a thickness of 1.5 mm. Moreover, the as-prepared composites exhibit outstanding elastic compressibility of 43.2 % and rebound rate of 45.1 % under a pressure of 35psi. This strategy offers a distinguishing understanding of preparing high-performance HCMWAIMs in modern electronic devices.

Engineering of Polystyrene/BiFeO3 0–3 Thin Film Nanocomposites for Mechanical Energy Harvesting

AbstractThis work describes impact of concentration of BiFeO3 submicrometric particles on piezoelectric performance and structural characteristics of 0–3 polymer composites with a polystyrene matrix. Bismuth ferrite particles are fabricated using reverse co‐precipitation method, followed by ultrasonic dispersion in a solvent to break up agglomerates formed during sintering, resulting in particles with a size of ≈200 nm. It is found that concentrations higher than 10 wt% BiFeO3 lead to a disturbance in natural organization of polystyrene. The hindered organization of side‐groups by submicrometric filler, occurring during solvent evaporation, strongly affects the mechanical properties of the finalcomposite, significantly increasing Young's modulus and tensile strength, but decreasing elongation. Such behavior is detected and described for the firsttime in literature. Piezoelectric examinations show that the thermal depolarization of nanogenerators has a different impact depending on the amountof piezoelectric phase. The study reveals that a voltage of over 4.8 V is generated when dynamic air pressure is applied at 11.54 bar for the composite containing only 2.5 wt% BiFeO3. For composites with 10% weight fraction or lower, decrease in generated voltage after thermal depolarization is about 24%, while for higher weight fractions (15 and 20 wt%) the decrease is around 35%.

Нефарадеевское магнитоэлектричество в контексте мезомеханики

The paper outlines the physical basis of magnetoelectric conversion by means of the piezoelectric effect. The whole class of materials capable of such conversion is termed as multiferroics. An important group of those make composite media in which the ferromagnetic (or ferrimagnetic) and piezoelectric components dwell in close contact. The magnetic field, acting on the ferromagnet arises internal mechanical stresses via it, which are perceived by the other phase of the composite and launches the piezoelectric effect in it, i.e. makes the sample a source of potential difference. Whereas the ferromagnetic phase is always a solid substance, the piezophase can be not only a solid but also a polymer, and this expands considerably the application prospects of such convertors. Fundamental analysis shows that in a polymeric composite, ferromagnet particles under the action of an external field excite the piezoeffect in two ways simultaneously: through magnetostriction (change of the particle shape) and through a mechanical displacement of the particle body. Although these two methods are, in principle, independent, in a ferrite-polymer composite they always coexist, and under a given set of conditions their joint action might either enhance or reduce the conversion ef ficiency. This general conclusion is illustrated by the results of numerical modelling of the magnetoelectric effect in a composite film whose content mimics one of the currently best known polymer multiferroics: the dispersion of cobalt ferrite particles in a matrix of polyvinylidene fluoride (CFO-PVDF).

Combination of a magnetic ionic liquid and magnetic particles for the determination of Pb(II) and Sn(IV) using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

A procedure for the determination of traces of lead and tin by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) after complexation with diethyl dithiophosphate and preconcentration by using a microextraction stage with a magnetic ionic liquid (MIL) supported by ferrite particles is presented. After complexation, the analytes are extracted into the ferrite-supported MIL, the solid particles acting as a carrier to facilitate the separation with a magnet. The analytes are released by treating with acetonitrile and the resulting liquid phase is sampled for the ETAAS measurement. The optimal experimental conditions such as pH, appropriate complexing agent, volumes and doses of all reagents used in the procedure are studied to achieve complete separation of both species. Enrichment factors of 195 and 165 and detection limits of 25 and 72 ng L−1 are obtained for Pb and Sn, respectively. The reliability of the procedure is checked by analyzing six certified reference materials and applied to water samples of different origin, the results being in addition confirmed by standard additions (recoveries 97 ± 7% in all cases).

New magnetic nanocomposites based on hexafrite and keggin-type -type heteropolyanions: Synthesized and characterized for removal of environmental pollutants

This research paper details the creation of innovative nanocomposites using the sol-gel technique, incorporating polyoxometalates SiW9Ba3 to stabilize ceramic particles of strontium ferrite (SrFe12O19) polymer and Chitosan (CS). The identification and confirmation of the nanocomposites obtained at each stage were carried out through the use of FT-IR, EDX, XRD, and FESEM analyses. To evaluate their ability to remove organic dyes, we analyzed the catalytic activity of these nanocomposites during photocatalytic detoxification procedures. With its exceptional photocatalytic properties, the nanocomposite (SiW9Ba3@SrFe12O19@Cs) was able to remove estamipride poison at an impressive rate of 85 % and xylene dye solution at an even higher rate of 98 %. In addition, an extensive examination was undertaken to explore the primary variables that influence process efficiency. The study suggests that ceramic nanocomposites incorporating heteropolyoxometalate may offer a viable approach to effectively eradicate pollutants from the environment.

Removal of chromium(III) from contaminated waters using cobalt ferrite: how safe is remediated water to aquatic wildlife?

The release of hazardous elements by industrial effluents to aquatic ecosystems is a potential threat to the environment. Chromium (Cr) is one of the elements whose levels in several freshwater ecosystems should be reduced to promote water reuse. In recent years, magnetic materials have gained increasing interest as sorbents because of their easy removal from treated water through magnetic separation. In this study, colloidal cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) particles were investigated as magnetic sorbents for chromium-aqueous chemical species. The oxidative stress responses of Mytilus galloprovincialis mussels exposed to 200 μg/L of Cr, resembling remediated water, were evaluated. More than 95% of Cr was removed from contaminated solutions by CoFe2O4 aqueous suspensions at pH 6 and pH 10. The kinetics of sorption experiments were examined using pseudo-1st order, pseudo-2nd order and Elovich models to evaluate which mathematical model has a better adjustment to the experimental data. The present study revealed that the levels of Cr that remained in remediated water induced limited biochemical changes in mussels, being considered safe for aquatic systems. Overall, the use of cobalt ferrite–based sorbents may constitute a promising approach to remediate contaminated water.

The transformation behaviour of ZnFe2O4 spinel particles in the CaO-FexO-SiO2-ZnO slag system

Treating zinc hydrometallurgical residues and other Zn-bearing solid waste in direct lead smelting processes has been recognized as the preferred solution for the sustainable development of the lead and zinc industry. However, new technical problems occurred when changing the starting material of lead-making processes, the pyrometallurgical process for treating zinc hydrometallurgical residues and zinc bearing solid waste usually had the CaO-FexO-SiO2-ZnO slag. Along with the increasing of Zn content in the raw material, high ZnO slag formed, and the ZnFe2O4 spinel particles intended to precipitate from the molten slag. The understanding of the particle behaviour of ZnFe2O4 spinel was the core part of monitoring the slag properties. This study investigated the transformation behaviour of zinc ferrite spinel particles and the changes in glassy slag phase through the high-temperature phase equilibrium experimental technique, and the temperature was 1100 °C-1300 °C and the oxygen potential was 10−8 atm – 10−4 atm. It is found that the particle size of ZnFe2O4 spinel in the molten slag increased along with the increasing of the oxygen potential. The Zn/Fe mass ratio in spinel particles decreased when increasing of temperature and it increased when increasing of oxygen potential. The Fe/SiO2 mass ratio and the Zn content in glassy slag phase gradually increased along with increasing temperature and they decreased along with increasing oxygen potential. The growing and decomposition of ZnFe2O4 spinel was essentially a process of material exchange with the glassy slag phase.