Ceria nanoparticles show promising application for economical and sustainable water filtration of heavy metals.  These nanoparticles can be synthesized with tunable morphologies, including flower-like and hollow sphere nanospheres. Herein we report studies of the influence of ceria nanomorphology on maximum adsorption capacity, efficiency, and recyclability. Morphosynthestic parameters including cerium source, templating agent, concentration, reaction time, temperature, and pH were varied to optimize ceria nanostructures. SEM with EDS and IR spectroscopy were used to characterize the structure and composition of the as-synthesized ceria nanoparticles, as well as elucidate possible adsorption mechanisms of chromium and arsenic ions to ceria surfaces. ICP-MS was utilized to quantitatively determine maximum loading levels and removal efficiencies and verify recyclability after the material was washed with strong base to reactivate binding sites. These studies inform ongoing research to realize new routes for heavy metal water filtration and to decrease the environmental and monetary costs associated with providing safe, clean drinking water to the world.

Ceria nanoparticles for sustainable heavy metal water filtration application

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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