Magnetite/Reduced Graphene Oxide Synthesis and Study as a Potential Adsorbent for Absorptive Removal of Heavy Metals

Abstract

Owing to its exceptional properties, graphene, a planar layer of sp 2 -bonded carbon atoms, attracted interest of researchers. A distinct matrix for nanocomposites, graphene has exceptional chemical endurance, high surface/volume ratio, and strong electrical conductivity. Due of their versatility, research in recent years has focused on incorporating graphene with appropriate materials. In this study, Improved Hummer method utilized in synthesizing graphene oxide (GO). An appropriate chemical reducing agent was used to synthesize (RGO). Magnetite was prepared from ferrous ammonium sulfate and ((NH 4 ) 2 Fe(SO 4 )26H 2 O) to ferric chloride (FeCl 3 ), then by co-precipitation method Magnetite Reduced Graphene Oxide (MRG) was synthesized with different amounts of RGO relative to magnetite (5, 10, and 30% wt. %) To prepare (MRG 5, 10, and 30%). Samples were morphologically characterized using a (HRTEM). Additionally, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy were used to identify the samples' chemical composition. Using (XRD), samples' crystallographic was identified. To ascertain the magnetic behavior, (VSM) was employed. Furthermore, fluctuation in metal ions concentration vs adsorption time was studied by UV-VIS spectrophotometer. Research findings demonstrated produced nano-composites' great adsorption potential even higher than both RGO and magnetite, the nano-composites demonstrated a synergistic effect that enhanced the composite's adsorption effectiveness. A 30% RGO sample was found to have the max adsorption activity for Cr (VI), Cu (II), and Mn (VII) with values of % removal 68, 80, and 70% respectively at PH =9 which make (MRG30) the ideal sample for heavy metal removal.