Effect of morphology on the arsenic removal of iron oxide

Abstract

In this study, iron oxide nanomaterials with urchin-like and cubic shapes were synthesized by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method with and without ethylene glycol surfactant. The produced materials were then characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The arsenic adsorption efficiency and capacity were employed as indicators for evaluating the applicability of the products and the effect of their morphology. Results showed that appropriate adsorption conditions for urchin-like and cubic iron oxides were pH 6 - 7 and pH 8, respectively, with high adsorption capacities of 11.7 and 11.1 mg/g, indicating that these materia