Preparation of sodium and potassium doped LaCoO3 perovskite as adsorbent for wastewater treatment

A perovskite group of materials (ABO3) has a wide range of applications due to their structural diversity, adaptability including exceptional physical and chemical properties. They can accommodate around 90% of metallic elements of the periodic table at positions A and/or B without destroying the matrix structure.These materials have been extensively explored for their magnetic, optical, catalytic and electrical properties. Thermal stability and catalytic properties enable them to serve as promising candidates for the control of environmental pollution. The methods of synthesis greatly influence the catalytic properties of perovskites. They have been exploited as oxidants, reductants and photocatalysts due to their enhanced catalytic properties. In addition to catalytic uses, the role of perovskites has also been explored for sensing and adsorption of various aqueous and gas phase species. Lanthanum cobaltite perovskite (LaCoO3; LC) was prepared by the sol-gel method and then calcined at various temperatures (500°C, 700°C, and 900°C). Subsequently, sodium and potassium species were doped in LaCoO3 structure (La1 – xNaxCoO3; LNC, and La1 – xKxCoO3; LKC). Obtained products were characterized by various analytical techniques; X-ray diffraction, FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, ICP, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area. All samples were tested as adsorbents for removal of congored from water; the results showed that sodium and potassium doping did not promote the adsorption amount of congored. Obtained results were interpreted by using ZPC analysis data.