The role of counter ions in nano-hematite synthesis: Implications for surface area and selenium adsorption capacity

Nano metal oxides are of interest for aqueous selenium (Se) remediation, and as such, nano-hematite (nα-Fe2O3) was examined for use as a Se adsorbent. The effect of surface area on adsorption was also studied. nα-Fe2O3 particles were synthesized from Fe(NO3)3 and FeCl3 via forced hydrolysis. The resulting particles have similar sizes, morphologies, aggregate size, pore size, and PZC. The nα-Fe2O3 from FeCl3 (nα-Fe2O3-C) differs from the nα-Fe2O3 from Fe(NO3)3 (nα-Fe2O3-N) with a ∼25±2m(2)/g greater surface area. Selenite Se(IV) adsorption capacity on nα-Fe2O3 has a qmax ∼17mg/g for the freeze-dried and re-suspended nα-Fe2O3. The Δqmax for nα-Fe2O3 from Fe(NO3)3 and FeCl3 that remained in suspension was 4.6mg/g. For selenate Se(VI), the freeze-dried and re-suspended particles realize a Δqmax= 1.5mg/g for nα-Fe2O3 from Fe(NO3)3 and FeCl3. The nα-Fe2O3 from Fe(NO3)3 and FeCl3 that remained in suspension demonstrated Se(VI) Δqmax=5.4mg/g. In situ ATR-FTIR isotherm measurements completed for Se(VI) at a pH 6 suggest that Se(VI) forms primarily outer-sphere complexes with nα-Fe2O3 synthesized from both salts.