Ionic Liquid-Driven Synthesis of Lanthanum Cobaltite for Efficient Removal of Tetracycline and Oxytetracycline from Aqueous Systems
摘要
Lanthanum cobaltite (LaCoO₃) was successfully synthesized via a hydrothermal route with the aid of [C4mim][Tf2N] ionic liquid and characterized for its potential as an adsorbent for removing tetracycline and oxytetracycline antibiotics from water. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed a pure rhombohedral crystal phase with an average crystallite size of 27.93 nm. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy revealed semi-circular nanoparticles with an average grain size of 70 nm, providing insights into surface morphology, shape, and particle distribution. Porosity studies using N₂ sorption confirmed the mesoporous nature of the adsorbent, with a specific surface area of 14.22 m2/g, pore volume of 0.050 m3/g, and an average pore size of 3.067 nm. The adsorption performance was evaluated under varying conditions, including pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and antibiotic concentration. Optimal removal efficiency was achieved at pH 6, 0.02 g adsorbent, 50 min of contact time, and an initial antibiotic concentration of 15 mg/L. Under these conditions, the maximum removal efficiencies for tetracycline and oxytetracycline were 97.16% and 91.73%, respectively. Kinetic studies indicated that the adsorption process followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model and aligned with the Langmuir isotherm. Additionally, the intraparticle diffusion model, used to describe the transport of adsorbate particles within the porous adsorbent, showed good agreement with the experimental drug removal data.