Arsenic (V) adsorption on Fe3O4 nanoparticle-coated boron nitride nanotubes

Boron Nitride Nanosheet-Magnetic Nanoparticle Composites for Water Remediation Applications

The combination of 0D nanoparticles with 2D nanomaterials has attracted a lot of attention over the last years due to the unique multimodal properties of resulting 0D-2D nanocomposites. In this work, we developed boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) functionalized with manganese ferrite magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). The functionalization process involved attachment of MNPs to exfoliated BNNS by refluxing the precursor materials in a polyol medium. Characterization of the produced BNNS-MNP composites was carried out using powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The adhesion of MnFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles onto the BNNS remained unaffected by repeated sonication and heating in a furnace at 400 °C, underscoring the robust nature of the formed bond. FTIR spectra and XPS deconvolution confirmed the presence of strong bonding between BNNS and the MNPs. Membranes were fabricated from the BNNS and the BNNS-MnFe2O4 nanocomposites for evaluating their efficiency in removing the methylene blue dye pollutant. The membranes have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area analysis, and mercury intrusion porosimetry. The effectiveness of dye removal was monitored using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The BNNS-MnFe2O4 nanocomposite membranes exhibited enhanced MB capture compared to membranes made from pure BNNS alone. The recyclability assessment of BNNS-MnFe2O4 demonstrated exceptional performance, retaining 92% efficiency even after eight cycles. These results clearly demonstrate the high potential of these magnetic nanocomposites as reusable materials for water filtration membranes. Furthermore, the introduction of magnetic functionality as part of the membrane brings an exciting opportunity for in situ magnetic heating of the membrane, which shall be explored in future work.

Boron Nitride Nanosheets Functionalized with Fe3O4 and CoFe2O4 Magnetic Nanoparticles for Nanofiltration Applications

Nanofiltration (NF) is one of the emerging technologies that is very promising for water purification among many other applications. 2D boron nitride (BN) based nanomaterials are excellent building blocks for NF membranes. In our work, BN nanosheets (BNNS) have been functionalized with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to form BNNS-MNP nanocomposites. It was found that the nanocomposites are stable with the MNPs giving very good coverage with both magnetite and cobalt ferrite MNPs and showing good attachment and stability to sonication. These nanocomposites have been tested for removal of methylene blue (MB) dye and MNPs from water. BNNS-magnetite nanocomposites showed higher removal efficiency of the MB from water than the corresponding pure BNNS, while the BNNS-cobalt ferrite removal efficiency was slightly less than the pure BNNS. The BNNS-cobalt ferrite material was regenerated by burning off the MB and recycled to show the recyclability of this material. The BNNS membranes were tested for filtration of 14 ± 4 nm magnetite MNPs and were found to capture 100% of the nanoparticles with no MNPs left in the filtrate. Thus, we have developed magnetic nanocomposite membranes, which have demonstrated great potential for water remediation. We believe that this research opens up promising ways for production of 2D nanocomposite materials with multiple applications.

Boron nitride nanotube-salt-water hybrid:crystalline precipitation

Molecular dynamics simulation is used to study the transport characteristics of NaCl solution in boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs). It presents an interesting and well-supported MD study of the crystallization of NaCl from its water solution under the confinement of a 3 nm thick boron nitride nanotube with varied surface charging conditions. The results of the molecular dynamics simulation indicate that NaCl crystallization occurs in charged BNNTs at room temperature when the concentration of NaCl solution reaches about 1.2 M. The reason for this phenomenon is as follows: when the number of ions in the nanotubes is high, the double electric layer that forms at the nanoscale near the charged wall surface, the hydrophobicity of BNNTs, and the interaction among ions cause ions to aggregate in the nanotubes. As the concentration of NaCl solution increases, the concentration of ions when they aggregate in the nanotubes reaches the saturation concentration of the NaCl solution, resulting in the crystalline precipitation phenomenon.

Cytotoxic and photocatalytic studies of hexagonal boron nitride nanotubes: a potential candidate for wastewater and air treatment

Boron nitride (BN) nanomaterials are rapidly being investigated for potential applications in biomedical sciences due to their exceptional physico-chemical characteristics. However, their safe use demands a thorough understanding of their possible environmental and toxicological effects. The cytotoxicity of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) was explored to see if they could be used in living cell imaging. It was observed that the cytotoxicity of BNNTs is higher in cancer cells (65 and 80%) than in normal cell lines (40 and 60%) for 24 h and 48 h respectively. The influence of multiple experimental parameters such as pH, time, amount of catalyst, and initial dye concentration on percentage degradation efficiency was also examined for both catalyst and dye. The degradation effectiveness decreases (92 to 25%) as the original concentration of dye increases (5-50 ppm) due to a decrease in the availability of adsorption sites. Similarly, the degradation efficiency improves up to 90% as the concentration of catalyst increases (0.01-0.05 g) due to an increase in the adsorption sites. The influence of pH was also investigated, the highest degradation efficiency for MO dye was observed at pH 4. Our results show that lower concentrations of BNNTs can be employed in biomedical applications. Dye degradation properties of BNNTs suggest that it can be a potential candidate as a wastewater and air treatment material.

High-Performance Boron Nitride Based Membranes for Water Purification

In recent years, nanotechnology-based approaches have resulted in the development of new alternative sustainable technologies for water purification. Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials are an emerging class of materials for nanofiltration membranes. In this work, we report the production, characterisation and testing of a promising nanofiltration membrane made from water-exfoliated boron nitride (BN) 2D nanosheets. The membranes have been tested for water purification and removal of typical water-soluble dyes such as methyl orange, methylene blue and Evans blue, with the water-exfoliated BN membranes achieving retention values close to 100%. In addition, we compared the performance of membranes made from water-exfoliated BN with those produced from BN using sonication-assisted liquid exfoliation in selected organic solvents such as 2-propanol and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. It was found that membranes from the water-exfoliated BN showed superior performance. We believe this research opens up a unique opportunity for the development of new high-performance environmentally friendly membranes for nanofiltration and new sustainable separation technologies.

Heavy Metal Adsorption Using Magnetic Nanoparticles for Water Purification: A Critical Review

Research on contamination of groundwater and drinking water is of major importance. Due to the rapid and significant progress in the last decade in nanotechnology and its potential applications to water purification, such as adsorption of heavy metal ion from contaminated water, a wide number of articles have been published. An evaluating frame of the main findings of recent research on heavy metal removal using magnetic nanoparticles, with emphasis on water quality and method applicability, is presented. A large number of articles have been studied with a focus on the synthesis and characterization procedures for bare and modified magnetic nanoparticles as well as on their adsorption capacity and the corresponding desorption process of the methods are presented. The present review analysis shows that the experimental procedures demonstrate high adsorption capacity for pollutants from aquatic solutions. Moreover, reuse of the employed nanoparticles up to five times leads to an efficiency up to 90%. We must mention also that in some rare occasions, nanoparticles have been reused up to 22 times.

Magnetic Nitrogen-Doped Porous Carbon Nanocomposite for Pb(II) Adsorption from Aqueous Solution

We report in the present study the in situ formation of magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4 or Fe) within porous N-doped carbon (Fe3O4/N@C) via simple impregnation, polymerization, and calcination sequentially. The synthesized nanocomposite structural properties were investigated using different techniques showing its good construction. The formed nanocomposite showed a saturation magnetization (Ms) of 23.0 emu g-1 due to the implanted magnetic nanoparticles and high surface area from the porous N-doped carbon. The nanocomposite was formed as graphite-type layers. The well-synthesized nanocomposite showed a high adsorption affinity toward Pb2+ toxic ions. The nanosorbent showed a maximum adsorption capacity of 250.0 mg/g toward the Pb2+ metallic ions at pH of 5.5, initial Pb2+ concentration of 180.0 mg/L, and room temperature. Due to its superparamagnetic characteristics, an external magnet was used for the fast separation of the nanocomposite. This enabled the study of the nanocomposite reusability toward Pb2+ ions, showing good chemical stability even after six cycles. Subsequently, Fe3O4/N@C nanocomposite was shown to have excellent efficiency for the removal of toxic Pb2+ ions from water.

Preparation, characterization and application of MgFe2O4/Cu nanocomposite as a new magnetic catalyst for one-pot regioselective synthesis of β-thiol-1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles

Magnesium ferrite magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized by a solid-state reaction of magnesium nitrate, hydrated iron(iii) nitrate, NaOH and NaCl salts and then calcined at high temperatures. In order to prevent oxidation and aggregation of magnesium ferrite particles, and also for preparing a new catalyst of supported copper on the magnetic surface, the MgFe2O4 was covered by copper nanoparticles in alkaline medium. Magnetic nanoparticles of MgFe2O4/Cu were successfully obtained. The structure of the synthesized magnetic nanoparticles was identified using XRD, TEM, EDS, FT-IR, FESEM and VSM techniques. The prepared catalyst was used in the three component one-pot regioselective synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles in water. The various thiiranes bearing alkyl, allyl and aryl groups with terminal alkynes, and sodium azide in the presence of the MgFe2O4/Cu nanocatalyst were converted to the corresponding β-thiolo/benzyl-1,2,3-triazoles as new triazole derivatives. The effects of different factors such as time, temperature, solvent, and catalyst amount were investigated, and performing the reaction using 0.02 g of catalyst in water at 60 °C was chosen as the optimum conditions. The recovered catalyst was used several times without any significant change in catalytic activity or magnetic property.

Advanced application of nano-technological and biological processes as well as mitigation options for arsenic removal

Arsenic (As) removal is a huge challenge, since several million people are potentially exposed (>10 μg/L World Health Organization guideline limit) through As contaminated drinking water worldwide. Review attempts to address the present situation of As removal, considering key topics on nano-technological and biological process and current progress and future perspectives of possible mitigation options have been evaluated. Different physical, chemical and biological methods are available to remove As from contaminated water/soil/wastes, where removal efficiency mainly depends on absorbent type, initial adsorbate concentration, speciation and interfering species. Oxidation is an important pretreatment step in As removal, which is generally achieved by several media such as O₂/O₃, HClO, KMnO₄ and H₂O₂. The Fe-based-nanomaterials (α/β/γ-FeOOH, Fe₂O₃/Fe₃O₄-γ-Fe₂O₃), Fe-based-composite-compounds, activated-Al₂O₃, HFO, Fe-Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃-impregnated-graphene-aerogel, iron-doped-TiO₂, aerogel-based- CeTiO₂, and iron-oxide-coated-manganese are effective to remove As from contaminated water. Biological processes (phytoremediation/microbiological) are effective and ecofriendly for As removal from water and/or soil environment. Microorganisms remove As from water, sediments and soil by metabolism, detoxification, oxidation-reduction, bio-adsorption, bio-precipitation, and volatilization processes. Ecofriendly As mitigation options can be achieved by utilizing an alternative As-safe-aquifer, surface-water or rainwater-harvesting. Application of hybrid (biological with chemical and physical process) and Best-Available-Technologies (BAT) can be the most effective As removal strategy to remediate As contaminated environments.

Boron nitride-based materials for water purification: Progress and outlook

Analogous to the carbon family, boron nitride (BN)-based materials have gained considerable attention in recent times for applications in various fields. Owing to their extraordinary characteristics, i.e., high surface area, low density, superior thermal stability, mechanical strength, and conductivity, excellent corrosion, and oxidation resistance, the BN nanomaterials have been explored in water remediation. This article critically evaluates the latest development in applications of BN-based materials in water purification with focus on adsorption, synthesis of novel membranes and photocatalytic degradation of pollutants. The adsorption of various noxious pollutants, i.e., dyes, organic compounds, antibiotics, and heavy metals from aqueous medium BN-based materials are described in detail by illustrating the adsorption mechanism and regeneration potential. The major hurdles and opportunities related to the synthesis and water purification applications of BN-based materials are underscored. Finally, a roadmap is suggested for future research to assure the effective applications of BN-based materials in water purification. This review is beneficial in understanding the current status of these unique materials in water purification and accelerating the research focusing their future water remediation applications.

Magnetic nanoadsorbents' potential route for heavy metals removal-a review

Due to the rapid growth in the heavy metal-based industries, their effluent and local dumping have created significant environmental issues. In the past, typically, removal of heavy metals was handled by reverse osmosis and ion exchange techniques, but these methods have many disadvantages. Therefore, extensive work into the development of improved techniques has increased, especially for heavy metal removal. Many countries are currently researching new materials and techniques based on nanotechnology for various applications that involve extracting heavy metals from different water sources such as wastewater, groundwater, drinking water and surface water. Nanotechnology provides the possibility of enhancing existing techniques to tackle problems more efficiently. The development in nanotechnology has led to the discovery of many new materials such as magnetic nanoparticles. These nanoparticles demonstrate excellent properties such as surface-volume ratio, higher surface area, low toxicity and easy separation. Besides, magnetic nanoparticles can be easily and efficiently recovered after adsorption compared with other typical adsorbents. This review mainly emphasises on the efficiency of heavy metal removal using magnetic nanoadsorbent from aqueous solution. In addition, an in-depth analysis of the synthesis, characterisation and modification approaches of magnetic nanoparticles is systematically presented. Furthermore, future opportunities and challenges of using magnetic particles as an adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals are also discussed.

Removal of Basic Fuchsin from water by using mussel powdered eggshell membrane as novel bioadsorbent: Equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamic studies

This study aims to remove organic cationic dye Basic Fuchsin (BF) by adsorption onto a low cost eggshell membrane (ESM) in batch mode at 293 K. XRD analysis confirms the amorphous nature of ESM meanwhile FTIR spectroscopy reveals the presence of several functional groups such as hydroxyl (-OH), sulfhydryl (-SH), carboxyl (-COOH), and amino (-NH₂). Morphological observations by SEM indicate its fibrous microstructure. BET analysis shows a surface area of 11.56 m² g^-1 and the presence of mesopores with a volume of 6.173 10^-3 cm³ g^-1. The value of pH_PZC of ESM is 7.05. The influence of adsorbent dose, contact time, pH, temperature and dye concentration is examined. The highest adsorption capacity around 48 mg.g^-1is achieved for a dye concentration 250 ppm, pH 6 and 25 °C. In addition, adsorption has been found to follow pseudo-second order kinetics. The analysis of the experimental data using linear forms based on Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models indicate that the best fit is obtained with Freundlich model. Thermodynamic parameters (Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and entropy) reveal that the adsorption of BF onto ESM is an exothermic and spontaneous process. A comprehensive mechanism for BF adsorption by ESM has been proposed.

Progress in the Research of the Toxicity Effect Mechanisms of Heavy Metals on Freshwater Organisms and Their Water Quality Criteria in China

Water quality criteria are the scientific basis for formulating water quality standards and environmental management practices. Due to the development of urbanization and industrialization, the problem of heavy metal pollution has become a serious environmental problem. Heavy metals not only have major impacts on aquatic organisms, but also seriously threaten human health. However, the current environmental criteria refer to the maximum value limitations of environmental factors in environmental media where harmful or detrimental effects are not produced on specific protected objects. This study reviewed the sources, hazard levels, toxic effect mechanisms, and the current research status of China’s water quality criteria for heavy metal pollutants. In addition, the focus and direction of future research on the toxic effects of heavy metal on aquatic organisms and the necessary criteria changes were discussed. The present study would provide an important theoretical basis for the future research of water quality criteria and risk assessment of heavy metal pollutants.

Tetracycline adsorption on the composite magnetite-bentonite

In this research, magnetite-bentonite composites were synthesized as a unique sorbent for the delivery of tetracycline. The introduction of magnetite particles into bentonite structure is based on X-ray phase analysis. Adsorption of tetracycline on bentonite surface and magnetite-bentonite composite was studied. It is shown that maximum adsorption of tetracycline on the surface of bentonite and composite magnetite-bentonite is 84.2 and 71.1 mg/g, respectively. The dependence of adsorption on pH and time was established. The increase in the adsorption value on the surface of the composite magnetite-bentonite with increasing pH is due to the dissociation in alkaline medium of bentonite silicate groups in the composite content. Electrostatic interaction occurs between the amino acids of tetracycline and negatively charged silicate groups in bentonite, oxygen atoms and OH groups form hydrogen bonds with SiOH groups of bentonite and Fe-O groups of magnetite. Electrostatic interactions and H-bonds were determined as the main forces providing adsorption.

Magnetite-Coated Boron Nitride Nanosheets for the Removal of Arsenic(V) from Water

It is widely known that the existence of arsenic (As) in water negatively affects humans and the environment. We report the synthesis, characterization, and application of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) and Fe₃O₄-functionalized BNNS (BNNS-Fe₃O₄) nanocomposite for removal of As(V) ions from aqueous systems. The morphology, surface properties, and compositions of synthesized nanomaterials were examined using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, surface area analysis, zero-point charge, and magnetic moment determination. The BNNS-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites have a specific surface area of 119 m² g^-1 and a high saturation magnetization of 49.19 emu g^-1. Due to this strong magnetic property at room temperature, BNNS-Fe₃O₄ can be easily separated in solution by applying an external magnetic field. From the activation energies, it was found that the adsorption of As(V) ions on BNNSs and BNNS-Fe₃O₄ was due to physical and chemical adsorption, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of BNNS-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite for As(V) ions has been found to be 26.3 mg g^-1, which is 5 times higher than that of unmodified BNNSs (5.3 mg g^-1). This closely matches density functional theory simulations, where it is found that binding energies between BNNS-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite and As(OH)₅ are 5 times higher than those between BNNSs and As(OH)₅, implying 5 times higher adsorption capacity of BNNS-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite than unmodified BNNSs. More importantly, it was observed that the synthesized BNNS-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite could reduce As(V) ion concentration from 856 ppb in a solution to below 10 ppb (>98.83% removal), which is the permissible limit according to World Health Organization recommendations. Finally, the synthesized adsorbent showed both separation and regeneration properties. These findings demonstrate the potential of BNNS-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite for commercial application in separation of As(V) ions from potable and waste water streams.

Modified Leach Residues from Processing Deep-Sea Nodules as Effective Heavy Metals Adsorbents

The possible use of leaching residue from leaching deep-sea nodules in SO2/H2SO4/H2O medium as a low-cost adsorbent of heavy metals (Pb(II), Cd(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), As(V)) was studied. The leaching residue was found to be an effective adsorbent for all of the tested elements; however, it was inactive in the solution containing As(V). The chemical activation of adsorbent in 10 vol. % HCl resulted in the greatest improvement of adsorption properties, while the activation in 10 vol. % HNO3 and heat treatment at 250 °C did not significantly affect the sorption characteristics of treated adsorbents compared with the original leaching residue. After HCl activation, the maximal adsorption capacities for lead (12.0 mg/g at pH 5.0 after 1 h), nickel (3.1 mg/g at pH 5.5 after 4 h) and cobalt (2.0 mg/g at pH 5.0 after 2 h) were achieved. Additional mechanical treatment connected with HCl activation provided the highest adsorption capacities for cadmium (11.5 mg/g at pH 4.0) and copper (5.7 mg/g at pH 4.5). Coprecipitation of Fe/Al-based particles on the surface of the leaching residue increased As(V) removal of the adsorbent. Surface coating based on AlIII was extremely effective, causing the increase of the adsorption capacity from 0 with the original leaching residue, to 28.1 mg/g (pH 7.0, 24 min). Kinetics studies showed the rapid progress of adsorption for Pb(II), Cd(II), and As(V) in tens of minutes, while the adsorption of Cu(II), Ni(II) and Co(II) approached a steady state after 2 h.

Electroactive Modified Carbon Nanotube Filter for Simultaneous Detoxification and Sequestration of Sb(III)

Herein, we rationally designed a dual-functional electroactive filter system for simultaneous detoxification and sequestration of Sb(III). Binder-free and nanoscale TiO₂-modified carbon nanotube (CNT) filters were fabricated. Upon application of an external electrical field, in situ transformation of Sb(III) to less toxic Sb(V) can be achieved, which is further sequestered by TiO₂. Sb(III) removal kinetics and capacity increase with applied voltage and flow rate. This can be explained by the synergistic effects of the filter's flow-through design, electrochemical reactivity, small pore size, and increased number of exposed sorption sites. STEM characterization confirms that Sb were mainly sequestered by TiO₂. XPS, AFS, and XAFS results verify that the Sb(III) conversion process was accelerated by the electrical field. The proposed electroactive filter technology works effectively across a wide pH range. The presence of sulfate, chloride, and carbonate ions negligibly inhibited Sb(III) removal. Exhausted TiO₂-CNT filters can be effectively regenerated using NaOH solution. At 2 V, 100 μg/L Sb(III)-spiked tap water generated ∼1600 bed volumes of effluent with >90% efficiency. Density functional theory calculations suggest that the adsorption energy of Sb(III) onto TiO₂ increases (from -3.81 eV to -4.18 eV) and Sb(III) becomes more positively charged upon application of an electrical field.

Development and characterization of yttrium-ferric binary composite for treatment of highly concentrated arsenate wastewater

Highly concentrated arsenic generated from industrial operation processes has posted a great thrust to humans. In this study, yttrium-ferric binary composite prepared through a simple co-precipitation method and applied for removing highly concentrated arsenic from the simulated arsenic-containing water. An optimal molar ratio of Y/Fe was determined as 8:1, which had a point of zero charge of around 7.0. The yttrium-ferric binary composite was aggregated by the nano-sized particles. The chemical state of yttrium and iron in the adsorbent was + III. The maximum adsorption capacities of the adsorbent towards arsenate (As(V)) were 401.8 mg-As/g at pH 4 and 288.7 mg-As/g at pH 7, respectively. A contact time of 8 h was sufficient to achieve 80% of the ultimate removal, faster than many reported/commercial water treatment materials. The existence of fluoride and phosphate ions significantly retarded the uptake of arsenic, indicating that likely the adsorbent was capable of adsorbing both contaminants. The mechanism study with several tools such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated that such functional groups as hydroxyl and carbonate groups participated in the As(V) adsorption process via ligand exchange followed by the inner-sphere complexation.

Development of bark-based magnetic iron oxide particle (BMIOP), a bio-adsorbent for removal of arsenic (III) from water

Novel low-cost bark-based magnetic iron oxide particles (BMIOPs) were synthesized and investigated for the removal of As(III) in drinking water. The synthesized BMIOP had a saturation magnetization value of 38.62 emug^-1 which was found to be enough for the magnetic separation of exhausted BMIOP after As(III) adsorption. Parameters like agitation speed, adsorbent dosage, contact time, pH, temperature, and initial concentration were thoroughly investigated. Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherms were used for the modeling of experiments and observed a maximum adsorption (19.61 mg g^-1) of As(III) by Langmuir isotherm. Kinetics of As(III) sorption were well correlated with the coefficients in pseudo-first-order than the pseudo-second-order rate equation. Thermodynamic parameter investigation revealed that As(III) sorption process is endothermic, feasible, and spontaneous. BMIOP emerged as less expensive adsorbent for the abatement of arsenic ion from the drinking water. BMIOP showed 13.58 mg g^-1 adsorption capacity when As(V) alone is present, while it is 9.43 and 7.04 mg g^-1 for As(V) and As(III), respectively, when present together in the water. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Parameters of adsorption of methylene blue on the magnetite-flask composite surface

Magnetite and magnetite-flask composites were synthesized by the Elmore method. The inclusion of magnetite particles into the structure of the flask is justified by methods of IR spectroscopy and X-ray phase analysis. On the IR spectrum of the composite the peaks characteristic of Fe-O of the magnetite were found at the oscillation frequency of 1402 cm-1. Comparison of diffraction patterns of the flask, magnetite and composite showed the appearance on the diffraction pattern of the system magnetite-silica maxima at values of 2θ and the 37.15, 43.37 characteristic of Fe3O4. In addition, the decrease of peak intensity was found at the values of 2θ 21,48 and 26.56 assigned to the silicate groups. Adsorption of methylene blue on the surface of the flask, magnetite and their composite was studied. Adsorption results were processed according to Langmuir and Freindlich. It is shown that the maximum adsorption values of the dye on the surface of the flask, magnetite, and their composite are 133.3 mg/g, 85.0 mg/g, and 166.6 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption constant is also maximal in the case of a magnetite-flask composite. The adsorption parameters calculated according to Langmuir and Freindlich are in good agreement and indicate the preferability of using the flask and composite magnetite- flask as a methylene blue adsorbents.

Evolution of magnetism by rolling up hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets tailored with superparamagnetic nanoparticles

Controlling tunable properties by rolling up two dimensional nanomaterials is an exciting avenue for tailoring the electronic and magnetic properties of materials at the nanoscale. We demonstrate the tailoring of a magnetic nanocomposite through hybridization with magnetic nanomaterials using hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) templates as an effective way to evolve magnetism for the first time. Boron nitride nanosheets exhibited their typical diamagnetism, but rolled-up boron nitride sheets (called nanoscrolls) clearly have para-magnetism in the case of magnetic susceptibility. Additionally, the Fe₃O₄ NP sample shows a maximum ZFC curve at about 103 K, which indicates well dispersed superparamagnetic nanoparticles. The ZFC curve for the h-BN-Fe₃O₄ NP scrolls exhibited an apparent rounded maximum blocking temperature at 192 K compared to the Fe₃O₄ NPs, leading to a dramatic increase in T_B. These magnetic nanoscroll derivatives are remarkable materials and should be suitable for high-performance composites and nano-, medical- and electromechanical-devices.

Effective removal of phosphate from aqueous solution using humic acid coated magnetite nanoparticles

Effective removal of excess phosphate from water is critical to counteract eutrophication and restore water quality. In this study, low cost, environmentally friendly humic acid coated magnetite nanoparticles (HA-MNP) were synthesized and applied for the remediation of phosphate from aqueous media. The HA-MNPs, characterized by FTIR, TEM and HAADF-STEM showed the extensive coating of humic acid on the magnetite surface. The magnetic nanoparticles with diameters of 7-12 nm could be easily separated from the reaction mixture by using a simple hand held magnet. Adsorption studies demonstrate the fast and effective separation of phosphate with maximum adsorption capacity of 28.9 mg/g at pH 6.6. The adsorption behavior follows the Freundlich isotherm suggesting the formation of non-uniform multilayers of phosphate on the heterogeneous surface of HA-MNP. The adsorption kinetic fits the pseudo-second order model well with rate constants of 0.206 ± 0.003, 0.073 ± 0.002 and 0.061 ± 0.003 g mg^-1min^-1 for phosphate (P) concentrations of 2, 5 and 10 mg/L respectively. The removal of phosphate was found higher at acidic and neutral pH compared to basic conditions. The nanoparticles exhibit good selectivity and adsorption efficiency for phosphate in presence of co-existing ions such as Cl^-, SO₄^2-and NO₃^- with some inhibition effect by CO₃^2-. The effect of temperature on the adsorption reveals that the process is endothermic and spontaneous. HA-MNPs are promising, simple, environmentally friendly materials for the removal of phosphate from aqueous media.

Review on nanoadsorbents: a solution for heavy metal removal from wastewater

Elimination of heavy metals from contaminated streams is of prime concern due to their ability to cause toxic chaos with the metabolism of flora and fauna alike. Use of advanced nano-engineered technologies such as the innovative combination of surface chemistry, chemical engineering fundamentals and nanotechnology opens up particularly attractive horizons towards treatment of heavy metal contaminated water resources. The obtained product of surface engineered nanoadsorbent produced has successfully proven to show rapid adsorption rate and superior sorption efficiency towards the removal of a wide range of defiant heavy metal contaminants in wastewater. The use of these materials in water treatment results in markedly improved performance features like large surface area, good volumetric potential, extra shelf-lifetime, less mechanical stress, stability under operational conditions with excellent sorption behaviour, no secondary pollution, strong chelating capabilities and they are easy to recover and reuse. This review intends to serve as a one-stop-reference by bringing together all the recent research works on nanoparticles synthesis and its advantages as adsorbents in the treatment of heavy metal polluted wastewater that have so far been undertaken, thereby providing researchers with a deep insight and bridging the gap between past, present and future of the elegant nanosorbents.

Effective aqueous arsenic removal using zero valent iron doped MWCNT synthesized by in situ CVD method using natural α-Fe2O3 as a precursor

This research presents an efficient system for removing aqua's arsenic based on in situ zero valent iron doping onto multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) through MWCNT growth onto the natural α-Fe₂O₃ surface in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor. The as-synthesized magnetic nanohybrid was characterized by XRD, VSM, FE-SEM and TEM techniques. The result of XRD analysis revealed that MWCNT has been successfully generated on the surface of zero valent iron. Moreover, the material showed good superparamagnetic characteristic to be employed as a magnetic adsorbent. The hematite, nanohybrid and its air oxidized form were used for removing aqueous arsenite and arsenate; however, non oxidized material exhibited greater efficiency for the analytes uptake. Equilibrium times were 60 and 90 min for arsenate and arsenite adsorption using nanohybrid and oxidized sorbent but the equilibrium time was 1320 min using hematite. The adsorption efficiencies of hematite and oxidized sorbent were 18, 74% and 26, 77% for arsenite and arsenate, respectively, at initial concentration of 10 mg L^-1. At this situation, the removal efficiencies were 96 and 98.5% for arsenite and arsenate adsorption using raw nanohybrid. Thermodynamic study was also performed and results indicated that arsenic adsorption onto nanohybrid and oxidized sorbent was spontaneous however hematite followed a nonspontaneous path for the arsenic removal.

DFT study of the adsorption of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on pristine and Ni-doped boron nitride nanotubes

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) are highly toxic to humans and the environment. Developing efficient methods to detect or remove these pollutants is particularly important and urgent. Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) with low dimension and high surface-to-volume ratio might be one of promising materials for the adsorption of PCDD/Fs. Here we present a density functional theory (DFT) study on the interaction of the pristine and Ni doped (8,0) single-walled BNNTs with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), the most toxic congener among PCDD/F family. The calculated results show that the pristine BNNT intrinsically interacts with TCDD via physisorption with π-π stacking interaction, in contrast, the Ni-doped BNNT presents much higher reactivities toward TCDD. The impurity Ni atom plays a crucial role for capturing TCDD molecule. We also find that the Ni doping introduces the local electronic states within the band gap of the BNNT and induces magnetism in the doped systems. The present results are expected to provide useful guidance for the potential application of BNNTs as adsorption materials for detecting or removing dioxin pollutants.

Environmental implications and applications of engineered nanoscale magnetite and its hybrid nanocomposites: A review of recent literature

This review focuses on environmental implications and applications of engineered magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (MNPs) as a single phase or a component of a hybrid nanocomposite that exhibits superparamagnetism and high surface area. MNPs are synthesized via co-precipitation, thermal decomposition and combustion, hydrothermal process, emulsion, microbial process, and green approaches. Aggregation/sedimentation and transport of MNPs depend on surface charge of MNPs and geochemical parameters such as pH, ionic strength, and organic matter. MNPs generally have low toxicity to humans and ecosystem. MNPs are used for constructing chemical/biosensors and for catalyzing a variety of chemical reactions. MNPs are used for air cleanup and carbon sequestration. MNP nanocomposites are designed as antimicrobial agents for water disinfection and flocculants for water treatment. Conjugated MNPs are widely used for adsorptive/separative removal of organics, dyes, oil, arsenic, phosphate, molybdate, fluoride, selenium, Cr(VI), heavy metal cations, radionuclides, and rare earth elements. MNPs can degrade organic/inorganic contaminants via chemical reduction or catalyze chemical oxidation in water, sediment, and soil. Future studies should further explore mechanisms of MNP interactions with other nanomaterials and contaminants, economic and green approaches of MNP synthesis, and field scale demonstration of MNP utilization.

Facile and effective synthesis of adsorbent - utilization of yeast cells immobilized in sodium alginate beads for the adsorption of phosphorus in aqueous solution

We compared the adsorption efficiency of phosphates onto Ca-alginate immobilized yeast and freely suspended yeast under different conditions of pH and temperature. The results clearly demonstrated that the adsorption efficiency onto Ca-alginate immobilized yeast was better than that of freely suspended yeast, and reached a maximum at pH 9.17 and 35 °C. Scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize the morphology of Ca-alginate immobilized yeast. Fitting the adsorption equilibrium data to existing models showed that the Freundlich isotherm model described the process better than the Langmuir model, and the process of adsorption followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. During the initial period of experiment, external diffusion was a key rate-controlling step, and intraparticle diffusion also contributed to the mass transport. The thermodynamic properties (Gibbs free energy change of -15.143 kJ/mol, enthalpy change of 274.118 kJ/mol, and entropy change of 290 J/(mol K)) indicated that the adsorption process was endothermic.

Facet-Controlling Agents Free Synthesis of Hematite Crystals with High-Index Planes: Excellent Photodegradation Performance and Mechanism Insight

Hematite (α-Fe2O3) crystals with uniform size and structure are synthesized through very facile one-pot hydrothermal methods without any additive. The as-synthesized sub-micrometer-sized α-Fe2O3 crystals with small surface areas perform superb visible light photodegradation activities, even much better than most other α-Fe2O3 nanostructures with large surface areas. Profound mechanism analyses reveal that the microwave-assisted hydrothermal (Mic-H) synthesized α-Fe2O3 is enclosed by 12 high-index {2-15} facets. The structure and the low unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the high-index planes result in the excellent photocatalytic activity. This is the first report on the formation of {2-15} plane group of hematite, and the synthesis of the hematite particles with the {2-15} planes is very simple and no any facet-controlling agent is used. This study may pave the way to further performance enhancement and practical applications of the cheap hematite materials.

Dual applications of silver nanoparticles incorporated functionalized MWCNTs grafted surface modified PAN nanofibrous membrane for water purification

Herein, we have developed silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) incorporated carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) grafted aminated polyacrylonitrile (APAN) nanofibrous membrane pertinent for the removal of toxic heavy metals and bacteria.

Boron nitride nanoplates supported zero-valent iron nanocomposites for enhanced decolorization of methyl orange with the assistance of ultrasonic irradiation

In this work, boron nitride nanoplates (BNNPs) supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) was prepared through facile liquid-phase chemical reduction of ferric ion by borohydride under ambient conditions in the presence of BNNPs. The nZVI@BNNPs hybrids were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and magnetic properties measurement. The hybrid material was evaluated for decolorization of a common azo dye, methyl orange (MO), with the assistance of ultrasonic irradiation. Results exhibited that a complete decolorization of 100 mg/L MO was achieved within 6 min using nZVI@BNNPs as the active material. Compared with bare nZVI and BNNPs, nZVI@BNNPs provided a faster reaction process for MO decolorization. The kinetic rate constants of MO decolorization reached 0.8175 min(-1) under ultrasound-assisted condition due to the synergistic effect of ultrasonic irradiation. Fluorescence spectrum experiment confirmed that hydroxyl radicals could be generated in the system combined nZVI with ultrasonic irradiation, and as a result, hydroxyl radicals would contribute to the decolorization process of MO.

Novel fungus-Fe3O4 bio-nanocomposites as high performance adsorbents for the removal of radionuclides

The bio-nanocomposites of fungus-Fe3O4 were successfully synthesized using a low-cost self-assembly technique. SEM images showed uniform decoration of nano-Fe3O4 particles on fungus surface. The FTIR analysis indicated that nano-Fe3O4 was combined to the fungus surface by chemical bonds. The sorption ability of fungus-Fe3O4 toward Sr(II), Th(IV) and U(VI) was evaluated by batch techniques. Radionuclide sorption on fungus-Fe3O4 was independent of ionic strength, indicating that inner-sphere surface complexion dominated their sorption. XPS analysis indicated that the inner-sphere radionuclide complexes were formed by mainly bonding with oxygen-containing functional groups (i.e., alcohol, acetal and carboxyl) of fungus-Fe3O4. The maximum sorption capacities of fungus-Fe3O4 calculated from Langmuir isotherm model were 100.9, 223.9 and 280.8 mg/g for Sr(II) and U(VI) at pH 5.0, and Th(IV) at pH 3.0, respectively, at 303 K. Fungus-Fe3O4 also exhibited excellent regeneration performance for the preconcentration of radionuclides. The calculated thermodynamic parameters showed that the sorption of radionuclides on fungus-Fe3O4 was a spontaneous and endothermic process. The findings herein highlight the novel synthesis method of fungus-Fe3O4 and its high sorption ability for radionuclides.

Arsenic removal by nanoparticles: a review

Contamination of natural waters with arsenic, which is both toxic and carcinogenic, is widespread. Among various technologies that have been employed for arsenic removal from water, such as coagulation, filtration, membrane separation, ion exchange, etc., adsorption offers many advantages including simple and stable operation, easy handling of waste, absence of added reagents, compact facilities, and generally lower operation cost, but the need for technological innovation for water purification is gaining attention worldwide. Nanotechnology is considered to play a crucial role in providing clean and affordable water to meet human demands. This review presents an overview of nanoparticles and nanobased adsorbents and its efficiencies in arsenic removal from water. The paper highlights the application of nanomaterials and their properties, mechanisms, and advantages over conventional adsorbents for arsenic removal from contaminated water.