Facile Synthesis and Characterization of HNT-Ferrihydrite Nanocomposites for water/wastewater treatment

In this study, a novel Halloysite nanotube/ferrihydrite (HNT/FH) nanocomposites have been synthesized using simple chemical precipitation method. The prepared nanocomposites were characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Transmission Emission Microscopy (TEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET). The morphology of the synthesized nanocomposites revealed the attachment of FH to the lining of HNT. XRD patterns revealed the nanocomposite having a monoclinic structure which agrees with the FTIR results. The high surface area of 328.6 m²/g and high aspect ratio of the nanocomposites endowed it with enforcing ability and enhanced water absorption capability, which in turn makes it highly hydrophilic. The high hydrophilic and adsorption ability of the novel nanoparticles has opened a wide opportunity for it to be utilized in the separation of wastewater.