Biodegradable Acid-Based Fe₂MnO₄ Nanoparticles for Water Remediation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Developing efficient adsorbents for water remediation is crucial.
• Nanomaterials offer high surface area for adsorption applications.
• Methylene blue dye is a common water pollutant.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize citric acid-modified Fe2MnO4 nanoparticles.
• To evaluate the adsorbent's efficiency in removing methylene blue dye from water.
• To investigate the adsorption mechanism and reusability of the nanomaterial.

Main Methods:

• Co-precipitation method for Fe2MnO4 nanoparticle synthesis.
• Modification with citric acid.
• Characterization using FTIR, SEM-EDX, XRD, SAED, N2 adsorption-desorption, and point of zero charge.
• Adsorption experiments for methylene blue removal.
• Thermodynamic and isotherm analysis.
• Reusability testing.

Main Results:

• Synthesized Fe2MnO4 nanoparticles with rough, porous surfaces and oxygenous functional groups.
• High specific surface area (83 m²/g) and pore size (5.17 nm).
• Point of zero charge at pH 7.5.
• Effective removal of methylene blue dye (~58% at 60 mg/L with 2.0 g/L adsorbent).
• Adsorption process identified as exothermic, spontaneous, feasible, and monolayer.
• Adsorbent demonstrated stability and good performance over three reuses.
• Outperformed unmodified Fe2MnO4 and other reported adsorbents.

Conclusions:

• Citric acid-modified Fe2MnO4 nanoparticles are effective adsorbents for methylene blue removal.
• The nanomaterial exhibits favorable adsorption characteristics and reusability.
• This study presents a promising approach for wastewater treatment using modified nanomaterials.