Simple and efficient method to synthesize ferric oxyhydroxide nanoparticles on carbon fiber fabric for environmental application

摘要

In this study, we report for the first time a simple one step synthesis of ferric oxyhydroxide nanoparticles (NPs) on carbon fiber (CF) fabric using thermal hydrolysis method. It is the first report wherein spindle-shaped ferric oxyhydroxide NPs were obtained on CF fabric at low temperature similar to 60 degrees C using a single iron source, without any additional reagents and processing. The method is designed specifically to obtain easy and economical deposition of functional nanoparticles on large substrate areas. Structural and chemical investigations revealed the formation of beta-FeOOH having tetragonal crystal structure on CF fabric. The morphological studies revealed the growth of spindle-shaped beta-FeOOH NPs having diameter of 75-80 nm. The as-synthesized beta-FeOOH/CF was also applied and qualitatively tested as a phosphate adsorbent, in which it was observed that the for high concentration phosphate solutions, optimized phosphate adsorption was achieved on beta-FeOOH/CF in short durations of time whereas lower concentrations solutions required longer duration.