Modified ZnSe nanoparticles for removal of heavy metal iron (Fe) from aqueous solution
https://doi.org/10.17586/2220-8054-2025-16-5-681-692
Abstract
Iron is a heavy metal found in water due to natural geological sources, household trash, industrial waste, and numerous by-products. An excessive amount of iron in drinking water can lead to significant health issues in humans. In the current study, metallic Zn–Se NPs modified with Ag and urea were synthesised via the sol-gel method and characterised by XRD, FESEM, EDX and FTIR. The synthesised ZnSe:Ag:Urea nanoparticles were used for the adsorptive removal of iron, a heavy metal, from water. Herein, we have utilised adsorption technology to extract iron ions from water, considering the toxicity of iron at high concentrations. Experimental batch adsorption studies were conducted on an aqueous solution containing Fe (III) ions under various conditions, including temperature, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and initial metal ion concentration. Results showed that iron adsorption was favourable, with a maximum removal percentage of 89.5 % under optimal room temperature conditions, optimal adsorbent dosage, and initial metal ion concentration. of 0.1 g/L and 100 mL, respectively. The iron absorption also reached an equilibrium state within 80 minutes of contact time by using ZnSe:Ag:Urea as the adsorbent.
Supporting agencies: This work was supported by the JKST&IC-funded project (Grant No. JKST&IC/SRE/ 1172-74), CSIR-HRDG funded project (scheme no. 1510/23/EMR-II) and SERB (Grant No. CRG2022/ 006428-G)).
About the Authors
Khurshed A. A. Shah
Sri Pratap College, Cluster University Srinagar
India
India
Khurshed A. Shah – PG Department of Physics
J&K-190001
Humaira S. Wani
Institute of Technology, Zakura Campus, University of Kashmir
India
India
Humaira S. Wani – Department of Applied Sciences
Srinagar, J&K-190006
S.M.A. Andrabi
Institute of Technology, Zakura Campus, University of Kashmir
India
India
S. M. A. Andrabi – Department of Applied Sciences
Srinagar, J&K-190006
Quinton L. Williams
Howard University
United States
United States
Quinton L. Williams – Department of Physics and Astronomy
2355 6th St., NW, Washington, DC 20059
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For citations:
Shah Kh.A., Wani H.S., Andrabi S., Williams Q.L. Modified ZnSe nanoparticles for removal of heavy metal iron (Fe) from aqueous solution. Nanosystems: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics. 2025;16(5):681-692. https://doi.org/10.17586/2220-8054-2025-16-5-681-692
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