Facile one-pot synthesis of lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH) nanoflakes for water treatment

Abstract

Lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH) nanoflakes were synthesized using a simple ethylene glycol (EG) mediated solution method. The obtained γ-FeOOH were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms. The absoption properties of the as-prepared γ-FeOOH nanoflakes towards toxic As(V) and Cr(VI) ions were investigated. The effects of anions such as Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻, HCO₃⁻, CO₃²⁻, and PO₄³⁻ on As(V) removal were also investigated. The results indicated that phosphate was the greatest competitor with As(V) for adsorptive sites. The presence of Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, and NO₃⁻ had no effect on As(V) removal.