Harnessing the power of multifunctional γ-Fe2O3@CuO nanocomposites: Effective extraction of heavy metals and bacterial pathogens from contaminated water

• Published in: Materials chemistry and physics 2024-07, Vol.320, p.129411, Article 129411
• Main Authors: Rauf, Abdul, Kiran, Syeda Ayesha, Raza, Hamid, Haroon, Shah Muhammad, Javed, Mohsin, Jahangir, Muhammad, Hassan, Mehdi, Bahadur, Ali, Iqbal, Shahid, Mahmood, Sajid, Althobiti, Randa A., Alzahrani, Eman, Farouk, Abd-ElAziem
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adsorption; Antibacterial activity; Metal oxide NPs; γ-Fe2O3@CuO NCs
• ISSN: 0254-0584; 1879-3312
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2024.129411

Waterborne diseases and carcinogenic effects associated with heavy metal poisoning have drawn considerable attentionto removing heavy metals from contaminated water and killing disease-causing bacteria. In this regard, γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by ion reduction method, while CuO NPsand γ-Fe2O3–CuO nanocomposites (NCs) by hydrothermal method. XRD, FTIR, FESEM, EDX and UV–visible spectroscopy were used for system characterization. The dumbbell shape of CuO NPs and spherical shape of γ-Fe2O3 NPs and γ-Fe2O3@CuO NCs were indicated via SEM analysis. The elemental composition and successful synthesis of γ-Fe2O3@CuONCs were confirmed by EDX results. The order for elemental composition: O > Cu > Fe showed the higher content ratio of Cu and O while Fe has the lowest content. The antibacterial activities against E. Coli and B. subtili were evaluated by Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Zone of Inhibition. γ-Fe2O3@CuO NCs showed excellent antibacterial performance as compared to γ-Fe2O3 NPs,CuO NPs, commercial Cu NPs and Cu salt. The drastic improvement in properties of γ-Fe2O3@CuO NCs resulted in better surface contact and extensive cell membranes rupture to eliminate bacterial pathogens present in wastewater Batch adsorption experiments were performed for selective removal of toxic Pb2+ ionsexisting in polluted water. The greatest adsorption capacity was determined to be 346 mg/g, and the highest removal percentage of 95 % was achieved at pH 4 in 60 min. Isotherm models and kinetic studies indicated that Pb2+ ions followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. The results obtained from batch adsorption experiment revealed γ-Fe2O3@CuO NCs as effective nanosorbent for quick elimination of toxic metal ions from industrial wastewater. •γ-Fe2O3@CuO NCs were successfully synthesized by a green approach from precursors.•The Ficus Carica extract acted as a capping, reducing and stabilizing agent for the NPs.•Batch adsorption experiments were performed for removal of toxic Pb2+ ions in polluted water.•The highest removal percentage of 95 % was achieved at pH 4 in 60 min.