Removal of toxic heavy metal ions from water with LaAlO3 perovskite

Abstract

LaAlO3 perovskite was synthesized by the co-precipitation method using metal nitrate and carbonate salts as starting materials. The product was characterized with X-ray diffractometer (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The XRD pattern confirmed the formation of perovskite phase. The SEM micrographs showed that perovskite sample consisted of nanosized particles. The application of synthesized perovskite was investigated as an adsorbent for removal of toxic heavy metal ions in water (Cd2+ and Pb2+). The adsorption behavior was studied and found to fit with the Langmuir isotherm. The results showed that LaAlO3 perovskite exhibited high efficiency as heavy metal ions remover from contaminated waters. The used adsorbent could be regenerated with EDTA solution and reused with only slightly less efficiency than the fresh sample.

Keywords

• LaAlO3 perovskite
• cadmium remover
• lead remover
• heavy metal ions adsorption
• water treatment