The Synthesis and Characterization of Iron Sand-Based CuFe2O4 as Heavy Metal Ion Adsorbent

Abstract

This study aimed to synthesize iron sand-based Copper Ferrite (CuFe₂O₄) using the coprecipitation method. The iron sand was taken from South Cianjur and used as a Fe cation source to synthesize CuFe₂O₄ nanoparticles. Three composition variations of CuCl₂.6H₂O and iron sand (Fe₃O₄) were employed, i.e., 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1. Samples were characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy - Energy Dispersive X-Ray (SEM-EDX), and Atomic Adsorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The XRD analysis exhibits three synthesis-phase results: CuFe₂O₄, Fe₂O₃, and CuO. The produced CuFe₂O₄ has two crystal structures: t-CuFe₂O₄ in 1:2 variation and c-CuFe₂O₄ in variations 1:1 and 2:1. Adding Cu resulted in smaller crystal size and higher lattice parameters. SEM-EDX analysis of 1:2 sample variation showed a round-shaped particle of 102.57 nm. AAS analysis showed that the increased mole of Cu decreases the heavy metal, including Pb and Mn, adsorption capacity. The largest adsorption capacity was found in the 1:2 (60.698 mg/g).