Synthesis and Characterization of CuO Nanoparticles to Remove Heavy Metals

Contamination of water by heavy metals has become a serious environmental problem around the world. Among the various methods for removing heavy metals from polluted water, nanomaterials seem to be an interesting alternative for use. For this reason, the possibility of using copper oxide nanoparticles to remove cadmium ions will be evaluated. Cupric oxide nanoparticles were prepared by the chemical precipitation method. The samples obtained were characterized by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results confirmed the formation of CuO with tenorite monoclinic structure. The crystallite size determined with the Scherrer formula was 19.74 nm. The nanoparticles obtained present spherical morphology with sizes between 18 and 68 nm. Finally, the cadmium removal assay shows that up to 7.5% of Cd could be removed.