Synthesis of Magnetite Nanocrystal Used Urea as Cr(VI) Adsorbent

Abstract

The study was to synthesize and characterize magnetite nanocrystal. Magnetite powder was synthesized using hydrothermal method from FeSO4 as precursor and sodium hydroxide and urea as the base sources. Characterization of the obtained powder was carried out using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and energy dispersive X-ray analyzer. The crystallite size of magnetite by X-ray diffraction was obtained from 18,23 to 67,34 nm. The scanning electron microscope observations showed that magnetite particles underwent agglomeration. Magnetite powder was used as Cr(VI) adsorbent. The results showed that adsorption capacity for urea-based magnetite at pH 1-5 in 2 hours were 1.92; 1.91; 1.59; 1.20; and 1.21 mg/g, respectively. Adsorption capacity for sodium hydroxide-based magnetite (pH 1-5, 2 hours) were 1.74; 1.83; 0.64; 0.69; and 0.77 mg/g. The results indicated that urea-based magnetite is able to increase adsorption capacity.