Efficient lead removal from aquatic solution by (Co0.7Zn0.3)0.9Ni0.1Fe2O4 ferrite with tunable optical and magnetic properties.

A new material based on (Co0.7Zn0.3)0.9Ni0.1Fe2O4 ferrite was prepared by using a flash auto-combustion method. The characterization of XRD, SEM, EDX, FTIR, and VSM analysis presented that the (Co0.7Zn0.3)0.9Ni0.1Fe2O4 nanoferrite was prepared in single phase with crystallite size 32 nm and had dislocation density about 9.8 x 10-4 nm-2. EDS spectrum confirms the presence of constituting metal ions in (Co0.7Zn0.3)0.9Ni0.1Fe2O4 ferrite which is well-comparable with the standard stoichiometric ratios. VSM exhibits narrow loop with saturation magnetization about 67.076 emu/g, this is related to ferromagnetic and soft magnetic materials. Values of the energy band gap are 3.8 and 4.8 eV for the indirect and direct transition. The removal efficiency of the (Co0.7Zn0.3)0.9Ni0.1Fe2O4 nanoferrite was evaluated using adsorbing Pb(II) as typical heavy metals. Batch adsorption experiment was used to study the effects of pH of the aqueous solution, as well as contact time. Moreover, we examined the adsorption mechanism, isotherms, and kinetics. The removal efficiency of the (Co0.7Zn0.3)0.9Ni0.1Fe2O4 nanoferrite for Pb(II) adsorption was 99 % at pH 7 after 40 min, besides the isothermal data followed Langmuir isotherm model. While, kinetic data obeyed pseudo-second-order model. The (Co0.7Zn0.3)0.9Ni0.1Fe2O4 nanoferrite and heavy metal ions interacted by the following mechanisms: surface complexation, precipitation, and isomorphic substitution.