Theoretical and experimental influence of aerosol assisted CVD parameters on the microstructural properties of magnetite nanoparticles and their response on the removal efficiency of arsenic

The development and optimization of methodologies to generate magnetite nanoparticles is currently an innovation topic. For a desired application such as arsenic removal from waste water, the generation of these nanostructures with specific microstructural properties is determinant. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the phenomenon during the nanoparticles formation process. Thus, in this work it is reported the influence of synthesis parameters of AACVD technique on the formation of magnetite nanoparticles. Parameters were according to: (1) synthesis temperature, (2) tubular reactor diameter, (3) concentration of the precursor solution and type of solvent, (4) carrier gas flow and (5) solvent type in the collection process. The effect of these synthesis parameters on the morphology, size and microstructure are discussed in detail and related with the mechanism of formation of the particles. Theoretical simulations were performed on two of these parameters (1 and 4). The microstructure and surface morphology of the different nanostructures obtained were characterized by field emission scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy. Subsequently two materials, were selected for further microstructural analysis. Finally, to determine the removal efficiency in the two materials the arsenic adsorption was evaluated. A major contribution of this work was the calculation of the number of spherical particles formed from a single drop of precursor solution. This calculation matched with the value found experimentally.