Comparative Review of Metal Ferrites for Heavy Metals Adsorption in Water

Mayang Fauziah Kuntjahjono; Sultan Napoleon; Wikrama Sarweswara; Yoselyn Evangelina Pandia; Zidni Aghna Haqina; Nugroho Adi Sasongko; Nuha Nuha; Akhmad Rifai; Rahmat Basuki

doi:10.55749/ss.v1i2.132

Authors

Mayang Fauziah Kuntjahjono Department of Chemistry, The Republic of Indonesia Defense University, Kawasan IPSC Sentul, Bogor 16810, Indonesia
Sultan Napoleon Department of Chemistry, The Republic of Indonesia Defense University, Kawasan IPSC Sentul, Bogor 16810, Indonesia
Wikrama Sarweswara Department of Chemistry, The Republic of Indonesia Defense University, Kawasan IPSC Sentul, Bogor 16810, Indonesia
Yoselyn Evangelina Pandia Department of Chemistry, The Republic of Indonesia Defense University, Kawasan IPSC Sentul, Bogor 16810, Indonesia
Zidni Aghna Haqina Department of Chemistry, The Republic of Indonesia Defense University, Kawasan IPSC Sentul, Bogor 16810, Indonesia
Nugroho Adi Sasongko Research Center for Sustainable Production System and Life Cycle Assessment, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Banten 15314, Indonesia; Energy Security Graduate Program, The Republic of Indonesia Defense University Bogor, 16810, Indonesia; Murdoch University, 90 South St, Murdoch Western Australia 6150, Australia
Nuha Nuha Research Center for Sustainable Production System and Life Cycle Assessment, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Banten 15314, Indonesia
Akhmad Rifai Research Center for Sustainable Production System and Life Cycle Assessment, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Banten 15314, Indonesia
Rahmat Basuki Department of Chemistry, The Republic of Indonesia Defense University, Kawasan IPSC Sentul, Bogor 16810, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55749/ss.v1i2.132

Keywords:

Adsorption, Heavy metal, Metal ferrites, Water treatment, Magnetic

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination in water is one of the most critical environmental issues, posing direct threats to human health and ecosystems. Various methods have been developed to address this problem; however, adsorption remains the most effective technique due to its simplicity, low cost, and regenerability. In this context, ferrite based materials (MFe₂O₄) offer great potential as heavy metal adsorbents owing to their combined advantages of magnetic properties, chemical stability, large surface area, and easy separation under an external magnetic field. This review paper provides a systematic comparison of various types of metal ferrites (Ni, Mn, Co, Zn, Mg, Cu, and Nd) applied for the removal of heavy metal ions from water. The comparison covers their crystal structures, morphology, surface area, magnetic properties, adsorption capacity, as well as the isotherm models and kinetics underlying the adsorption process. The findings show that each type of ferrite possesses specific advantages and limitations. NiFe₂O₄exhibits high structural stability, MgFe₂O₄ demonstrates high adsorption capacity but is susceptible to dissolution under acidic conditions, CuFe₂O₄ exhibits strong chemical affinity, and NdFe₂O₄ shows potential selectivity toward specific ions. Meanwhile, MnFe₂O₄ and CoFe₂O₄, particularly in composite forms such as MnFe₂O₄/biochar and CoFe₂O₄/FAU, stand out with adsorption capacities exceeding 400 mg/g, sufficient magnetic properties, and easy magnetic separation, making them the most promising candidates for water treatment applications. This paper provides a comprehensive understanding of the structure property function relationship of metal ferrites as selective, stable, and efficient adsorbent materials for heavy metal remediation in aquatic environments.

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