Facile synthesis of novel zinc ferrite nanostructures (ZFN) for enhanced adsorption of highly mobile and toxic As(III) from aqueous solutions

Zinc Ferrite Nanostructures (ZFN) with a diameter ranging from 200 to 400 nm and an average grain size of 20 nm were manufactured using a simple hydrothermal process. These nanostructures were effective in removing As(III) from contaminated water. The adsorption process of As(III) on the ZFN followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Adsorption capacity of the ZFN for As(III) reached to 161.3 mg/g at pH 7, surpassing other previously reported similar adsorbents. The analysis of thermodynamic parameters indicated that adsorption process of As(III) on the ZFN was spontaneous, favorable with increasing temperature and endothermic. Experiments for effect of common co-existing ions demonstrated good affinity and selectivity of the ZFN for As(III). The adsorption mechanism of As(III) on the ZFN involves a variety of adsorption mechanisms, comprising electrostatic contact, chemical bonding, and surface complexation. The regeneration study showed that the ZFN can be used as an efficient adsorbent for various consecutive cycles with excellent As(III) adsorption efficiency. Moreover, the ZFN exhibited admirable treatment of simulated real As(III) contaminated water. In summary, ZFN is a highly promising option for effectively removing As(III) in real-world scenarios.