Synthesis of Magnetic Fe(3)O(4) Nano Hollow Spheres for Industrial TNT Wastewater Treatment

The aim of the present work was to synthesize magnetite (Fe(3)O(4)) nano hollow spheres (NHS) via simple, one-pot, template-free, hydrothermal method. The structural, morphological, and surface analysis of Fe(3)O(4) NHS were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction technique (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy FTIR and burner-Emmett-teller (BET). The as obtained magnetic (Fe(3)O(4)) NHS were used as an adsorbent for treating industrial trinitrotoluene (TNT) wastewater to reduce its Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) values. Adsorption capacity (Qe) of the NHS obtained is 70 mg/g, confirming the attractive forces present between adsorbent (Fe(3)O(4) NHS) and adsorbate (TNT wastewater). COD value of TNT wastewater was reduced to >92% in 2 h at room temperature. The adsorption capacity of Fe(3)O(4) NHS was observed as a function of time, initial concentration, pH, and temperature. The applied Fe(3)O(4) NHS was recovered for reuse by simply manipulating its magnetic properties with slight shift in pH of the solution. A modest decrease in Qe (5.0–15.1%) was observed after each cycle. The novel Fe(3)O(4) NHS could be an excellent candidate for treating wastewater generated by the intermediate processes during cyclonite, cyclotetramethylene-tetranitramine (HMX), nitroglycerin (NG) production and other various environmental pollutants/species.