Cost-effective Synthesis of CeO2-SiO2 Based on Oil Palm Leaves for the Removal of Toxic Compounds

Abstract

Using cerium nitrate as a cerium source and oil palm leaves (OPL) as the main silica (SiO2) source, CeO2–SiO2(OPL) powder was synthesized via calcination at 900 °C under air conditions. An X-ray diffraction analysis of the as-prepared product revealed the formation of CeO2 supported on cristobalite SiO2 along with some other minor element oxides. The Fourier transform infrared spectra showed peaks attributable to the Si–O–Si and Ce–O bonds of the binary oxide. According to a scanning electron microscopy analysis, the solid materials produced via calcination were in aggregated form. The solid, which was easily powdered by grinding in a mortar, was studied for the removal of methylene blue (MB) and phenol compounds from aqueous solution. The results showed that the CeO2–SiO2(OPL) material could remove MB up to 62.6% but was ineffective for phenol removal under various conditions.