Synthesis of mesoporous maghemite with high surface area and its adsorptive properties

Mesoporous maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) with high surface area was prepared by the thermal decomposition of Fe–urea complex ([Fe(CON2H4)6](NO3)3) with the aid of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), and its adsorption ability for the removal of fluoride was investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption–desorption measurements, transmission electron micrograph (TEM) observations, and magnetic measurements show that the γ-Fe2O3 has a mesoporous structure and its crystallite size, specific surface area, and magnetic properties can be controlled by varying the content of CTAB in [Fe(CON2H4)6](NO3)3. The maximum adsorption capacity of the mesoporous γ-Fe2O3 for fluoride is estimated to be 7.9 mg/g, which suggests that the mesoporous γ-Fe2O3 is an excellent adsorbent for fluoride.

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► A simple method is introduced to prepare mesoporous γ-Fe2O3.
► γ-Fe2O3 with a high surface area and good magnetic properties can be obtained.
► This powder is quite effective for the removal of fluoride.