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Experimental procedure
MaterialsFe(NO 3 ) 3 .7H 2 O and cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) used for synthesis were of Analytical Grade (E Merck, India). Sodium fluoride (Ranchem, India) was used for the preparation of the standard fluoride (1000 mg/L) stock solution. Sodium 2-(para sulfophenyl azo)-1,8-dihydroxy-3,6-naphthalene disulfonate (SPADNS) and zirconyl oxychloride used for fluoride analysis were of GR (E. Merck) grade.
Preparation of mixed iron oxide/hydroxide sample by surfactant mediationprecipitation techniquePage 5 of 38A c c e p t e d M a n u s c r i p t 5 100 mL of a 0.88 M Fe(NO 3 ) 3 was taken in a clean, dry beaker. To this 5 mL of 10 % cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) solution was added and the solution was stirred for 2 h. The pH of the solution was adjusted to 10.0 by addition of 1 M NaOH solution under stirring. The contents were further stirred for 24 h after pH adjustment. The precipitate formed was filtered through a G4 frit crucible and was thoroughly washed with water until the filtrate was free of nitrate. The precipitate was then transferred to a beaker and the volume made up to 500 mL with water. The beaker was kept at 60 0 C for 12 h in an oven. After aging, the solution was finally filtered through a G4 crucible, washed thoroughly with water and dried in an oven at 100 0 C for 24 h.
Batch fluoride sorption experiments on the prepared sample and fluoride analysisA 100 mg/L fluoride stock solution was prepared by dissolving 0.221g of NaF in 1L of double distilled water. The experimental solutions were prepared by appropriate dilutions of the above solution. 0.1 g of the sample was taken in a 100 mL polyethylene plastic vial and 50 mL of fluoride solution of known concentration was added. The contents were kept for constant shaking in a temperature controlled water bath shaker