Characterization of Nife2O4 Nanoparticles

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 53 views

Introduction

The increasing presence of antibiotics in wastewater has become a significant concern due to their potential harm to the environment and human health. Levofloxacin (LFX), a widely used antibiotic, is one of the contaminants that require effective removal from wastewater. In this study, we aimed to synthesize and characterize Nife2O4 nanoparticles using the hydrothermal method as an adsorbent for levofloxacin antibiotics. The goal was to produce nanoparticles that can efficiently remove LFX from wastewater, providing a more environmentally friendly solution for waste management.

Materials and Methods

The synthesis of Nife2O4 nanoparticles was carried out using the hydrothermal method with varying mole ratios of nickel nitrate hexahydrate (Ni(NO3)2.6H2O) and ferrous chloride tetrahydrate (FeCl2.4H2O). The mole ratios used were 1:1, 1:1, 1:2, 2:1, and 2:3. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (Fe-SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM). These characterization techniques aimed to understand the crystal structure, morphology, functional groups, and magnetic properties of the Nife2O4 nanoparticles produced.

Characterization of Nife2O4 Nanoparticles

The XRD analysis revealed that the Nife2O4 nanoparticles had a spinel structure, indicating a high degree of crystallinity. The Fe-SEM images showed that the nanoparticles had a spherical morphology with an average diameter of 50-100 nm. The FTIR spectra revealed the presence of functional groups such as hydroxyl and carbonate, which are indicative of the presence of nickel and iron ions. The VSM analysis showed that the Nife2O4 nanoparticles had a strong magnetic response, indicating their potential for magnetic separation.

Adsorption of Levofloxacin by Nife2O4 Nanoparticles

The adsorption of levofloxacin by Nife2O4 nanoparticles was evaluated using the UV-VIS Spectrophotometer. The results showed that the sample with a mole ratio of 2:1 had the highest efficiency in degrading LFX, reaching 91.1% within 2 hours with a nanoparticle dose of 50 mg and LFX concentration of 10 mg/L. The sample with a mole ratio of 1:1, 1:2, and 2:3 showed degradation rates of 84.8%, 72.1%, and 66.8%, respectively. This indicates that the right mole ratio is crucial for the ability of nanoparticles to carry out the degradation process.

Variations in Mass and Concentration of Nife2O4 and LFX

To further understand the adsorbent performance, variations in the mass of Nife2O4 nanoparticles and LFX concentration were tested. The results showed that the Nife2O4 nanoparticles with a mole ratio of 2:1 were still able to degrade LFX up to 79.2% even after being used several times. This indicates that the magnetic properties of Nife2O4 nanoparticles allow for repeated testing or reusability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of Nife2O4 nanoparticles synthesized using the hydrothermal method as an adsorbent for levofloxacin antibiotics. The results show that the right mole ratio is crucial for the ability of nanoparticles to carry out the degradation process. The magnetic properties of Nife2O4 nanoparticles also allow for repeated testing or reusability. However, further research is needed to improve the scale of application and efficiency of this nanoparticles in a wider environment. This study provides new hopes for more effective and environmentally friendly waste management.

Future Directions

Future studies should focus on scaling up the synthesis of Nife2O4 nanoparticles and evaluating their performance in real-world wastewater treatment systems. Additionally, the stability and reusability of Nife2O4 nanoparticles should be further investigated to ensure their long-term effectiveness as an adsorbent for levofloxacin antibiotics.

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to synthesize and characterize Nife2O4 nanoparticles using the hydrothermal method as an adsorbent for levofloxacin antibiotics. The goal is to produce nanoparticles that can efficiently remove LFX from wastewater, providing a more environmentally friendly solution for waste management.

Q: What are the advantages of using Nife2O4 nanoparticles as an adsorbent?

A: The advantages of using Nife2O4 nanoparticles as an adsorbent include their high surface area, good magnetic properties, and ability to be reused multiple times. These properties make them an attractive option for wastewater treatment.

Q: What is the significance of the mole ratio in the synthesis of Nife2O4 nanoparticles?

A: The mole ratio of nickel nitrate hexahydrate (Ni(NO3)2.6H2O) and ferrous chloride tetrahydrate (FeCl2.4H2O) is crucial in the synthesis of Nife2O4 nanoparticles. The right mole ratio is necessary to achieve the desired properties of the nanoparticles, such as their crystal structure, morphology, and magnetic properties.

Q: How do the Nife2O4 nanoparticles remove levofloxacin from wastewater?

A: The Nife2O4 nanoparticles remove levofloxacin from wastewater through a process called adsorption. The nanoparticles have a high surface area and good magnetic properties, which allow them to attract and hold onto the levofloxacin molecules, effectively removing them from the wastewater.

Q: Can the Nife2O4 nanoparticles be reused multiple times?

A: Yes, the Nife2O4 nanoparticles can be reused multiple times. Their magnetic properties allow them to be easily separated from the wastewater and reused in subsequent adsorption cycles.

Q: What are the potential applications of Nife2O4 nanoparticles in wastewater treatment?

A: The Nife2O4 nanoparticles have potential applications in wastewater treatment, including the removal of antibiotics, heavy metals, and other pollutants. They can also be used in the treatment of industrial wastewater, agricultural runoff, and other types of wastewater.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study include the small scale of the synthesis and characterization of the Nife2O4 nanoparticles, as well as the limited number of experiments conducted. Further research is needed to scale up the synthesis and evaluate the performance of the Nife2O4 nanoparticles in real-world wastewater treatment systems.

Q: What are the future directions for this research?

A: The future directions for this research include scaling up the synthesis of Nife2O4 nanoparticles, evaluating their performance in real-world wastewater treatment systems, and investigating their stability and reusability. Additionally, the development of new applications for the Nife2O4 nanoparticles, such as their use in the treatment of industrial wastewater and agricultural runoff, is also a potential area of research.

Q: What are the potential environmental benefits of using Nife2O4 nanoparticles in wastewater treatment?

A: The potential environmental benefits of using Nife2O4 nanoparticles in wastewater treatment include the reduction of antibiotic resistance, the prevention of water pollution, and the protection of aquatic ecosystems. The use of Nife2O4 nanoparticles can also help to reduce the amount of wastewater that requires treatment, thereby conserving water resources and reducing the environmental impact of wastewater treatment.