Synthesis and characterization of nanomagnetite for environmental applications

Μagnetite (Fe3O4) in nanoscale has been very attractive due to its unique properties which make it ideal for a wide range of applications. Nanomagnetite can be applied as drug delivery medium, as catalyst and as efficient adsorbent and reducing agent for water treatment. In this study, magnetite nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation of ferrous and ferric iron salts with the addition of a base under microwave-assisted heating. This is a simple, low cost and quick method which results to uniform shape and size of nanomagnetite particles. The effect of heating time and the microwave power were evaluated for the properties of nanoparticles. The mineralogical composition of prepared nanoparticles was determined by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The performance of nanomagnetite for Cr(VI) removal from contaminated water streams was evaluated by conducting batch tests. Nanomagnetite exhibited good removal performance for chromates and could easily be separated and recovered under magnetic field.