Synthesis of mesoporous magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles with different pore sizes and investigation of dye adsorption capacities

Abstract

This study synthesized mesoporous magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles with two pore sizes. First, two different pore sizes of SiO₂ were synthesized using polyethylene glycol with molecular weights of 6000 kDa and 35,000 kDa. Next, mesoporous SiO₂ was used as a template, and Fe₃O₄ was coated with a precursor. Then, the silica present in mesoporous SiO₂ was leached. The adsorption capacities of the prepared mesoporous magnetic Fe₃O₄-NPs were compared using an azo cationic dye, Basic Red 18. Parameters such as solution pH, adsorbent amount, and dye concentration were optimized in the adsorption experiments. Additionally, the reusability of Fe₃O₄-NPs was investigated. The optimum conditions for P6-Fe₃O₄-NPs were the original pH, 0.5 g/L dose, 50 ppm dye concentration, 60 min contact time, and 100% removal efficiency. For P35-Fe₃O₄-NPs, the optimal conditions were original pH, 0.75 g/L dose, 20 ppm dye concentration, and 60 min of contact time, with 100% removal efficiency. The second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm were found to be suitable for describing the adsorption of both nanoparticles. Under the optimum conditions, complete dye removal efficiency was achieved for both nanomaterials. Furthermore, in the real wastewater, the adsorption experiment utilizing P6-Fe₃O₄-NPs yielded a 98% efficiency in color removal at 620 nm.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• Mesoporous magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles
• BR18 dye
• dye adsorption

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This project was supported by the Scientific Research Projects Council of Tarsus University (Project number: OSB.23.002).