Electrosynthesis Of ZnFe۲O۴ Nanoparticles In An External Magnetic Field And Its Use As Adsorbent In The Removal Of Dyes

In this study, zinc ferrite magnetic nanoparticles (ZnFe۲O۴) were prepared in an electrochemical cell consists of stainless steel cathode and zinc/iron anode under an external magnetic field, supplied by using two permanent NdFeB magnets arranged parallel to each other and perpendicular to the surface of electrodes. The electrolyte was a solution of CTAB ۰.۰۴ M. The current density was optimized in ۱۸ mA.cm-۳. The nanoparticles have been characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the magnetic properties were investigated by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The efficiency of the prepared magnetic ZnFe۲O۴ nanoparticles as an adsorbent was examined for the removal of Crystal violet from water solutions, which is used in various industries including textile, plastic, and paper [۱]. The presence of dyes in water creates problems for human health. Therefore removal of dyes from industrial wastewater is important for the safety of the environment [۲]. The affecting parameters on the efficiency of adsorbent on the removal of Crystal violet, such as pH, amount of adsorbent, contact time, and concentration of dye were investigated. The results showed at pH ۶ -۷ in ۹۰ minutes, with ۳ mg.ml-l adsorbent, the color of the crystal violet was removed at concentrations less than ۸ mg.L-۱ from water solutions. The removal mechanism is more consistent with the pseudo-second order kinetic model and by the Freundlich isotherm which shows multilayer and chemical absorption of dye on the adsorbent [۳]. Based on the data of the present investigation, the biocompatible, environment-friendly, and low-cost ZnFe۲O۴ nanoparticles can find potential applications in wastewater treatment.