Synthesis and characterization of Fe3O4/SiO2 Nanocomposite from Kaolin Bangka Island

Abstract

Magnetite is widely used in various fields of separation and adsorbent. Various studies have also reported that magnetite without modification have low thermal stability, low water solubility and may undergo reactions forming a FeOOH intermediate phase. The use of silica templates is done in such a way that the magnetite produced is not easily agglomerated. The source of silica can easily be found in nature, one of which is kaolin. Synthesis of Fe₃O₄/SiO₂ nanocomposites from Kaolin Bangka Island was carried out. The source of silica used is sodium silicate which is made from kaolin. The parameter observed in this study is the effect of silica concentration on the formation of Fe₃O₄/SiO₂ nanocomposites. The SiO₂ concentrations used were 5%, 15% and 30%. Based on the XRD analysis results, it appears that the three samples have typical diffraction peaks from Fe₃O₄/SiO₂ nanocomposites at 2θ 24°, 26° and 35°. The average particle size of each composite for 5%, 15% and 30% SiO₂ concentrations is 50.05 nm, 43.21 nm and 41.68 nm. It can be concluded that nanocomposite with SiO₂ concentration of 30% has the potential to be applied further as a heavy metal adsorbent. FTIR analysis showed an absorption peak indicating the silica has coated the magnetite material from Fe₃O₄.