Synthesis and characterization of magnetic adsorbent prepared by magnetite nanoparticles and zeolite from coal fly ash

Magnetite nanoparticles were prepared by partial oxidation of Fe(II) ions of an aqueous suspension of hydroxysulfate green rust which was obtained by precipitation of Fe(II) ions. This magnetite was mixed with zeolite synthesized from coal fly ash to obtain the magnetic adsorbent and the final product characterization was made. By analysis of scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, images of clusters of magnetite nanoparticles were observed and crystallite sizes of 17 nm were determined, respectively. In thermal analysis, the weight ratio of 1:3 for magnetite-zeolite in the magnetic adsorbent was measured and a non-magnetic product at 974 °C was found in both magnetite and magnetic adsorbent. Magnetization measurements described small hysteresis from the clusters of magnetite nanoparticles. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated that the synthesized zeolite is a hydroxy sodalite and evidences of formation of the magnetic adsorbent were observed. The performance of magnetic separation technique was evaluated and it was comparable to the centrifugation process. The magnetic adsorbent indicated a potential application for adsorption of dye Reactive Orange 16 from aqueous solution.