Synthesis of bismuth oxide: Removal of benzene from waters by bismuth oxide nanostructures

Abstract

In this research, the bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) nanostructures were prepared via chemical method at 90 °C for 3 h. the results samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) for determination of functional groups, X-ray diffraction (XRD) for evaluation of crystal structure, dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscope (SEM) for presentation of morphology and size, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) for determination of chemical composition, and diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS) for ultraviolet (UV) blocking. Also, the Bi2O3 nanostructures were used for benzene extraction from waters in pH=5-7. By procedure, 30 mg of Bi2O3 mixed with hydrophobic ionic liquid ([HMIM][PF6]) and injected to water samples. After shaking and centrifuging, benzene removed from water by ionic liquid-micro solid phase extraction (IL-μSPE) and determined by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The absorption capacity and recovery was obtained 167.8 mg per gram of Bi2O3 and more than 96%, respectively. Based on the results, the bismuth oxide nanostructures were observed with rod morphology and the diameter of nanometer. The antibacterial activities of the samples were determined against Salmonella using inhibition zone diameter. Based on the study, bismuth oxide nanostructures have good potential for removal of benzene from waters. By IL-μSPE method, the results validated by spiking of samples.