Synthesis and characterization of magnetic adsorbent based on Fe2O3-fly ash from Pulang Pisau’s power plant of Central Kalimantan

Abstract

One of the biggest producers of fly ash in Central Kalimantan is Pulang Pisau’s power plant. Fly ash, which is produced from burning coal or biomass, is a mixture of oxides with less combustible carbon and other minor inorganic compounds so that it has a dominant-negative surface charge and is a promising adsorbent. Modification of fly ash with Fe2O3 can affect the structure and morphology of the adsorbent, and the magnetic properties of the adsorbent can help in the process of separating the adsorbent after treatment. This study aims to study the synthesis and magnetic characteristics of magnetic adsorbent based on Fe2O3-fly ash from Pulang Pisau’s power plant. The proximate test results obtained showed that the SiO2 compound contained in fly ash was the highest with a percentage level of 32%. The optimum composition of fly ash and Fe2O3 ratio is 1: 2. Morphology of magnetic adsorbent based on Fe2O3-fly ash was observed using SEM EDX. The results showed Fe2O3 particles impregnated to the pores of fly ash particles which had 29,11% of O and 70,22% of Fe. The magnetic properties of magnetic adsorbent based on Fe2O3-fly ash from Pulang Pisau’s power plant were simply proven using an external magnetic field.