Synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles for colour removal of printing ink solution

Abstract

Fe3O4 nanoparticles can be used as an adsorbent for colour removal of printing ink which contribute as a pollutant in wastewater. Fe3O4 was synthesized by coprecipitation method using FeCl3.6H2O and (NH4)2Fe(SO4)2.6H2O precursors dissolved in distilled water in mol ratio of Fe3+: Fe2+ = 2:1. NaOH solution was added slowly into the iron solution with continuous stirring for 60 minutes in Argon gas atmosphere. After drying, Fe3O4 nanoparticle product is obtained as black crystalline powder with an average particle size about 34 nm. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles (0.1 g) were able to remove blue, red, and yellow colour with percentage of adsorption about 97%, 94%, and 62% for 40 minutes contact time and 100 rpm of stirring speed, respectively. Fe3O4 nanoparticle can be separated from the printing ink solution by an external magnetic field.