Comparative studies on adsorptive and photocatalytic potential of differently synthesized ferric oxide nanoparticles for malachite green

Abstract

In the present work, effect of different fuels on the structural, morphological, magnetic, adsorptive and photocatalytic properties of ferric oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3 NPs) was evaluated. Fe2O3 NPs were synthesized via combustion method by using oxalyl dihydrazide (ODH), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and urea as fuels. The indigenously synthesized NPs were characterized by different analytical tools. XRD patterns confirmed the presence of α- and γ-Fe2O3 phases. TEM micrographs displayed average particle size was less than 30 nm. Saturation magnetization amplified with increase in the γ-Fe2O3 content, which was correlated to the fuel used for synthesis. Adsorptive and photocatalytic activity of synthesized NPs was studied using malachite green (MG) dye as a model compound. The uptake behavior for MG dye was influenced by the solution pH, contact time, adsorbent dose, temperature and dye concentration. Thermodynamic studies indicated the endothermic nature of the adsorption phenomenon. The adsorption was well defined with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms in comparison to Dubinin-Radushkevitch adsorption isotherm model. The trend for percentage removal of MG dye using NPs synthesized by different fuels was: urea > PEG > ODH. Fe2O3 NPs facilitated photo degradation of dye solution in ultra-violet and visible light irradiations. HIGHLIGHTS Ferric oxide nanoparticles (NPs) with α- and γ- phases were successfully synthesized using different fuels.; Ferric oxide NPs using urea as a fuel showed better removal efficiency for malachite green dye.; Adsorption data was evaluated using isotherms and thermodynamic studies.; The synthesized NPs could be magnetically separated and exhibited excellent reusability.;

Keywords

• adsorption
• combustion
• fe2o3
• fuel
• magnetic properties
• photocatalysis