Characterization and Application of Adsorption Material with Hematite and Polystyrene

In this study, a three-dimensional ordered macroporous hematite was prepared using the polystyrene colloid crystal templates and characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and nitrogen adsorption isotherm. The as-prepared hematite shows a porous structure consisting of the macropores about 200 nm in diameter and the walls about 20 nm in thickness. The adsorption of Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions in aqueous solution by this hematite was also evaluated. At room temperature, each gram hematite adsorbs 12.5 mg of Pb2+ ions and 7.0 mg of Cd2+ ions. The results suggest that the obtained hematite should be a promising adsorbent to remove Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions, and other heavy metal ions from aqueous solution.