The Fe3O4-formation by the ‘Ferrite Process’: Oxidation of the reactive Fe(OH)2 suspension induced by sucrose

A mechanism of the formation of small particles of iron oxide in the wastewater treatment system ‘Ferrite Process’ is described. Small particles consisting of the Fe₃O₄−γ-Fe₂O₃ solid solution having slightly higher content of γ-Fe₂O₃ were obtained by the aerial oxidation of Fe(OH)₂ suspension in the presence of a weak dispersing reagent, sucrose, at pH 9.0. The increase of γ-Fe₂O₃ content is caused by a further oxidation of the Fe₃O₄ particles in the course of the reaction. The further oxidation was accelerated below 1000 Å of the particle size. When SO²⁻₄ ion coexisted with sucrose in the reaction medium, the further oxidation was reduced and the treatment of the wastewater was improved. At a temperature interval of 40°–65°C, the formation of α-FeOOH was completely inhibited by a small amount of sucrose and only Fe₃O₄ was obtained.