Functionalized Ilmenite Ores for Improved Photocatalytic Removal of Pb(II) Ions in an Aqueous Solution by Visible Light Irradiation

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Abstract
The efficient removal of heavy metals from water is a critical environmental problem. Photocatalysis is a new and rapidly growing field of research that offers a promising approach. In this study, ilmenite ore (IL) samples procured from the Abu Ghalaga area in Egypt were functionalized through a facile process using hydrogen peroxide. Different characteristic techniques were utilized to examine both the physical and chemical properties of all ilmenite samples including XRF, XRD, SEM, EDX, FTIR, and BET. The XRF data of collected ores (IL samples) was demonstrated as the major oxides TiO2 (36.61-39.73 wt%) and Fe2O3 (55.04-55.15 wt%). According to XRD, The main mineral in the Abu Ghalaga ilmenite ore samples is ilmenite Fe(TiO3) ranging from (78% -83%) While the hematite mineral (Fe2O3) ranging from (17% - 22%). The photocatalytic efficiencies of the functionalized ilmenite samples (f-IL) were investigated for the removal of Pb(II) ions under visible light irradiation in an aqueous solution. All the functionalized ilmenite samples (f-IL) samples exhibited higher specific surface area and total pore volume than their source ilmenite ores (IL). The f-IL samples displayed effective photocatalytic removal of Pb(II) ions compared to the unfunctionalized ones under optimum conditions. The maximum adsorption capacity (qm) recorded was 309.7 mg/g for the 1-f-IL sample with removal efficiency reaching 97.6% at pH 7, temperature 25 oC, and catalyst dosage 20 mg after 60 min irradiation time under visible light. This study highlights the superior photocatalytic efficiency of functionalized ilmenite towards the removal of Pb(II) ions in an aqueous solution under visible irradiation.

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