Abstract
In aqueous media at similar to 50 degrees C, two new iron(III) complexes, [Fe-3(mu-CO3)(NH3)(mu-OH)(2)(H2O) 5 (mu-H2O)(OH)(4)]Cl center dot 6H(2)O and [Fe-3(mu-CO3)(NH3)(mu-OH)(2)(H2O)(5)(mu-H2O) (OH)(4)]NO3 center dot 6H(2)O, were synthesized from FeCl3 center dot 6H(2)O and Fe(NO3)(3)center dot 9H(2)O with urea, a simple organic compound. These complexes were used as the primary precursors for iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticle (NP) preparation via a thermal decomposition route at a low temperature (600 degrees C) in a static air atmosphere. The complexes of iron(III) were analyzed through FTIR spectroscopy, thermal properties, conductivity and magnetic moment measurements, while the oxide materials were characterized through UV-Vis, XRD and SEM measurements. The study also aimed to investigate the performance and capacity of Fe2O3 NPs for the removal of some heavy metals, such as cadmium (Cd2+), lead (Pb2+), and mercury (Hg2+) ions. The optimum adsorbent dose, contact time, and pH values for maximum Cd2+, Pb2+ and Hg2+ metal ion removal were identified. The adsorption behavior was found to be highly pH-dependent, and the Fe2O3 NPs selectively absorbed Cd2+, Pb2+ and Hg2+ metal ions from wastewater.