Synthesis of Fe3O4/SiO2/Polypyrrole magnetic nanocomposite polymer powder: Investigation of structural properties and ability to purify of edible sea salts

In this study, Fe3O4/SiO2/polypyrrole magnetic nanocomposite polymer powder was chemically synthesized. The structure of the prepared composite powders were studied using scanning electron microscopy, FTIR and XRD techniques. The results showed that the prepared composites have a nanometer structure. The FTIR results confirmed the electrostatic interactions between the composite components. XRD also showed the crystal structure of Fe3O4 and its composites. Optimal nanocomposite powder was used to purify the salt of Lake Urmia. Salt samples were treated with powder and the chemical properties of salt were investigated before and after treatment. Qualitative tests performed on salt included COD, BOD, organic compounds, heavy metals, nitrate and nitrite, and color characteristics. Finally, the efficiency of the nanoparticle powder in the lake salt treatment was calculated. The results showed that the composite powder reduced BOD and COD as well as the heavy metal salts of the lake. Also, the organic compounds in the salt decreased and the color factors such as the white index of the salt increased. Under optimal conditions, Fe3O4/SiO2/PPy composite showed the best performance at 37 min of purification time. In general, Fe3O4/SiO2/PPy composite can be easily used to purify sea salts and also reduce environmental pollutants. (C) 2021 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Fe3O4/SiO2/polypyrrole magnetic nanocomposite polymer powder was synthesized and used for salt purification. The composite powder effectively reduced organic pollutants and heavy metal salts in lake salt, as well as improved color factors in the salt.