New materials based on Pr3Fe5O12 iron garnets as filters for industrial wastewater treatment

Introduction. Solving the problem of pollution, which causes a lack of fresh water, requires the development of new materials for purification filters and improvement of existing cleaning methods. The unique magnetic and adsorption properties of rare-earth garnet ferrites, due to the large area of the adsorbing surface, the properties of magnetic nanoparticles and the processes of adsorbent regeneration for subsequent use, are currently a priority for research. Materials and Methods. The synthesis of nanostructured powders of rare-earth ferrite garnets Pr3Fe5O12 was carried out by the hydrothermal method. The influence of synthesis conditions, namely the temperature regime, on the composition, structure and properties of the obtained materials has been studied and analyzed using AFM, SEM, XRD and Raman spectroscopy. The influence of particle shape and size on the magnetic properties of Pr3Fe5O12 powders has been studied. Results. The results of research and analysis of parameters of new materials for filtration and purification of industrial wastewater in the form of rare-earth ferrites-garnets Pr3Fe5O12 are shown. The necessary properties of the research objects were obtained and studied through the use of a set of modern research methods. The use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), as well as Raman spectroscopy and X-ray phase analysis made it possible to establish patterns of reducing the amount of impurities and particle sizes of the studied materials depending on the synthesis temperature. Discussion. A detailed and in-depth study of the microstructure characteristics made it possible to analyze the correlation between the magnetic parameters of the studied powders and their structural inhomogeneities. Materials with characteristics acceptable for industrial applications can be obtained only by directional formation of a specific micro/nanostructure of magnetic powders. Conclusion. Scientifically based recommendations for the targeted synthesis of powder structures obtained on the basis of the results presented in this paper will solve a number of problems that arise in the design and development of various devices of modern microelectronics. The data from the presented studies are the initial stage of an extensive research project, the completion of which will make it possible to create functional materials with specified properties for solving specific tasks. In the future, it is planned to expand the range of materials studied, show how synthesis parameters, namely the concentration and type of alkali, affect the structural features of the obtained samples, and conduct a study of the adsorption, magnetic and sensory properties of the materials presented. Suggestions for practical applications and directions for future research. The prospect of using the studied materials as filters for cleaning industrial wastewater is shown.