Enhanced adsorption and removal of urea from aqueous solutions using eco-friendly iron phosphate nanoparticles

This work reports of using iron phosphate nanoparticles (nano-FePh) as adsorbent for removing urea. Hence, the adsorption of urea on nano-FePh was investigated as a function of reaction time, temperature, catalyst weight, shaking speed and solution pH. Amorphous iron phosphate is synthesized by a cost-effective method reflux. The nano-FePh is characterized by different techniques including; X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron micrograph (TEM), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX), FT-IR and BET surface area determination. Highest adsorption extent obtained at pH range of 7–9 with uptake of urea equals to 1.2 × 102 mg/g (gram of nano-FePh). The reaction kinetics of the adsorption of urea follows a pseudo-first-order model. Application of homogenous film diffusion model and matrix diffusion model is carried out and analyzed. The model of the diffusion liquid film controls the process at the first adsorption step and then at the final stage is under control by matrix diffusion model. Frumkin adsorption isotherm is found to fit with the experimental data. The kinetics and thermodynamic parameters have been determined and analyzed. The nano-FePh adsorbent was stable and the adsorption capacity was remaining excellent after 10 cycles.