Modified ZnSe nanoparticles for removal of heavy metal iron (Fe) from aqueous solution

Iron is a heavy metal found in water due to natural geological sources, household trash, industrial waste, and numerous by-products. An excessive amount of iron in drinking water can lead to significant health issues in humans. In the current study, metallic Zn–Se NPs modified with Ag and urea were synthesised via the sol-gel method and characterised by XRD, FESEM, EDX and FTIR. The synthesised ZnSe:Ag:Urea nanoparticles were used for the adsorptive removal of iron, a heavy metal, from water. Herein, we have utilised adsorption technology to extract iron ions from water, considering the toxicity of iron at high concentrations. Experimental batch adsorption studies were conducted on an aqueous solution containing Fe (III) ions under various conditions, including temperature, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and initial metal ion concentration. Results showed that iron adsorption was favourable, with a maximum removal percentage of 89.5% under optimal room temperature conditions, optimal adsorbent dosage, and initial metal ion concentration. of 0.1 g/L and 100 mL, respectively. The iron absorption also reached an equilibrium state within 80 minutes of contact time by using ZnSe:Ag:Urea as the adsorbent.