Adsorption of Copper from the Metal Industry Wastewaters using Fe2O3 Nanoparticles

Abstract

Background: Ferric oxide (hematite, Fe2O3) nanoparticles were developed under laboratory conditions by co-precipitation method for the adsorption of copper from the metal industry wastewaters. The characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles were assessed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses. Results: Batch adsorption experiments were performed by adjusting the pH (3.0, 7.0 and 9.0), the contact time (10 min, 20 min and 30 min), stirring speed (5000 1/sn, 10000 1/sn and 20000 1/sn), and Fe2O3 concentration (2 mg/l, 5 mg/l and 10 mg/l). The magnetic nanoparticle showed an excellent performance in removing copper. Conclusıon: For maximum copper removal (98%), 10 min of the optimum pH contact time and 5 mg/l Fe2O3 concentration are among increasing concentration of copper (5 mg/l, 25 mg/l and 30 mg/l), at a stirring speed of 150 rpm. The recovery yield of Fe2O3nanoparticle was 89% after 2 years.