The effect of ammonia solution concentration on the synthesis process of MgFe2O4based on natural iron sand as adsorbent of Pb ions

Abstract

In order to understand the dependability of the crystal structure and the magnetic properties of the nanoparticles as adsorbent of Pb ions, magnesium ferrite (MgFe2O4) based on natural iron sand with various concentrations of ammonia solutions (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 M) have been synthesized using a co-precipitation method. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that MgFe2O4 formed a single phase, in which the size of the crystal decreased by increasing the ammonia concentrations. The smallest crystal size was obtained at 2 M of NH4OH addition. On the other hand, the VSM analysis showed that the magnetization saturation (Ms) increased by increasing the ammonia concentration, while the coercivity decreased. The highest value of Ms was achieved at 48.2 emu/g by adding 2 M of NH4OH. This result affected the ability of the nanoparticles to adsorb Pb ions. The large surface area due to small particles size and its high saturation can adsorb Pb ions up to 92.65 mg/g, with an efficiency of 84.23%. Therefore, these nanoparticles have a potential application to be used as heavy metal adsorbent in waste-water.