Statistical investigation of lead removal with various functionalized carboxylate ferroxane nanoparticles

Four new types of carboxylate-ferroxane nanoparticles, namely; maleate ferroxane (MF), fumarateferroxane (FF), para-amino benzoate ferroxane (PABF) and para-hydroxy benzoate ferroxane (PHBF) were synthesized, characterized and used for lead removal from aqueous solutions. Lepidocrocite nanoparticles were also synthesized and characterized asa precursorforcarboxylate-ferroxanes. FTIR, SEM and DLS analysis characterized the synthesized samplesand final Pb(II) concentration were analysed using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer. Performance evaluation of the nanoparticlesin adsorption process was achieved using Taguchi experimental design. Variables in adsorption process were initial pH, contact time, adsorbent dose, adsorbent typeand initial concentration of Pb(2+) ions. The initial Pb(II) concentration was the most influential factor in the adsorption process among the five factors. Adsorption of lead was performed through two possible mechanisms; ion exchange and complex formation. Maleate ferroxane performed the best lead removal efficiency among the four types of ferroxane nanostructures studied. The adsorption kinetic data described well with a pseudo-second-order model and the equilibrium data fitted well to the Frendlich isotherm.