The synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles functionalized by Nb (V) - metalloporphyrin for the selective removal of fluoride ions from

aqueous media

Abundance of amounts of fluoride in water resources has a harmful effect on human health. A new magnetic nanoadsorbent was developed by treating Fe3O4 nanoparticles with 3- aminopropyltriethoxysilane and Nb (V) - metalloporphyrin and applied to remove excessive fluoride from aqueous solutions. Nb (V) - metalloporphyrin was attached to Fe3O4 via the interaction between the carboxylic groups and the amine groups of APTES. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)، elemental analysis، X-ray diffraction (XRD)، and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the synthesized nanoparticles. The effect of pH، contact time، sorbent dosage and some co-existing anions present in aqueous solution was investigated. The results indicated that under optimal conditions (i. e. pH: 5. 5، contact time: 30 min and sorbent dosage: 100 mg) the fluoride removal efficiency of 94. 0% can be achieved. Regeneration of fluoride adsorbed material could be possible with NaOH and the modified magnetic nanoparticles exhibited good reusability for four cycles.