Synthesis and Characterization of Eco-Engineered Hollow Fe2O3/Carbon Nanocomposite Spheres: Evaluating Structural, Optical, Antibacterial, and Lead Adsorption Properties

Abstract

This work presents a facile mechano-thermal route for the synthesis of carbon-decorated, hollow, mesoporous α-Fe2O3 microspheres. Comprehensive characterization (XRD, XPS, FT-IR, SEM/EDX, TGA, zeta-potential) confirmed the formation of phase-pure hematite with nanoscale crystallites (~19 nm), substantial residual surface carbon (~40 wt%) consistent with Fe–O–C linkages, and a positive surface charge (+15.9 mV). The hierarchical hollow/mesoporous architecture enables fast ion transport and provides extensive interior binding sites, resulting in rapid Pb(II) uptake that reaches 92% removal in ≈15 min at pH 5.0. The adsorption follows a Langmuir isotherm (qmax ≈ 70.6 mg/g) and pseudo-second-order kinetics, indicative of chemisorption coupled to efficient mass transfer into internal sites. The composite also exhibits antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, demonstrating its potential for simultaneous mitigation of heavy metal contaminants and pathogens.

Affiliated Institutions

• British University in Egypt EG
• Horia Hulubei National Institute for R and D in Physics and Nuclear Engineering RO
• University of Belgrade RS
• Cleveland State University US
• Joint Institute for Nuclear Research RU
• Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine US

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