Synthesis and characterization of bentonite/iron nanoparticles and their application as adsorbent of cobalt ions

This study reports the synthesis and characterization of iron nanoparticles in the presence of K10 bentonite. Introducing K10 during synthesis of iron nanoparticles resulted in a partial decrease in the aggregation of the nanoparticles. The dispersed nanoparticles showed a typical core–shell structure and were predominantly within the 10–60 nm size range. The composite adsorbent was tested for the removal of Co2+ ions in aqueous solution at various contact times, concentrations, pH, and repetitive loadings. The rate of adsorption was evaluated using first and second order rate equations. The adsorption was described by the Freundlich model. The adsorbent showed effective removal after re-use and the adsorption increased with increasing initial pH.