Synthesis, Characterization, Magnetic Properties, and Applications of La0.85Ce0.15FeO3 Perovskite in Heavy Metal Pb2+ Removal

Perovskite La0.85Ce0.15FeO3 was synthesized with crystallite size 23 nm by flash combustion technique. The obtained sample was characterized by various techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area. The morphology of the sample illustrated the porous nature of the sample due to the preparation technique and the valence exchange between Ce3+ and Ce4+ which produces oxygen vacancies. The magnetic coupling between 3d and 4f orbitals is the origin of the antiferromagnetic behavior of the sample. La0.85Ce0.15FeO3 is a good adsorbent for heavy metal lead ions (Pb2+) from the wastewater. The effects of pH value and the contact time on the removal efficiency were studied. The maximum removal efficiency of Pb2+ is 99% by nano perovskite Ce-doped LaFeO3. The maximum removal efficiency of Pb2+ is 42% at contact time 6 h. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were used to understand the adsorption mechanism. Langmuir isotherm confirmed a monolayer adsorption of heavy metal Pb2+ onto La0.85Ce0.15FeO3 nano perovskite.