Synthesis of RGO/γ-Fe 2 O 3 nanocomposite for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions

• Published in: International journal of materials research Vol. 114; no. 3; pp. 191 - 198
• Main Authors: Dung, Mai Duc, Hue, Bui Thi, Phuong, Luong Thi Kim, Giang, Le Thi, Bau, Le Viet, Lan, Nguyen Thi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 28.03.2023
• ISSN: 1862-5282; 2195-8556
• DOI: 10.1515/ijmr-2021-8612

Abstract Reduced graphene oxide/maghemite (RGO/γ-Fe 2 O 3 ) material was successfully synthesized by combining the modified Hummers method with co-precipitation (RGO 10 wt.%). γ-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles with a particle size of ∼14.8 nm were distributed on the surface of RGO sheets. Results of Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis showed that RGO/γ-Fe 2 O 3 had a mesoporous structure and a narrow capillary size distribution curve at about 13 nm. The specific surface area of the RGO/γ-Fe 2 O 3 was 168 m 2 ·g −1 . The RGO/γ-Fe 2 O 3 nanocomposite was used to adsorb arsenic As(V) and a mixture of heavy metals (As(V), Cr(VI), Pb(II), and Fe(III)) in water. The maximum adsorption efficiency of As(V) reached 98.9% after 45 min with an adsorption capacity of 5.93 mg·g −1 , higher than the simultaneous adsorption of the four metal ions. Competitive adsorption decreased in the order As(V), Cr(VI), Pb(II), and Fe(III). Therefore, RGO/γ-Fe 2 O 3 could be used as an effective adsorbent to remove heavy metals from aqueous solutions.