Abstract: Arsenic has been classified as one of the most toxic and carcinogenic element. Arsenic contamination of water is a important problem in several countries around the world. This pollutant has been recorded by the World Health Organization as a first priority issue, and maximum concentration limit in drinking water has been reduced to 10 mg/L by several organizations. Iron oxides are very active materials for arsenic removal from waters. In order to maximize the arsenic adsorptive properties of iron oxides, the use of nanostructures is described. Iron oxide thin films and nanoparticles have been prepared by different methods, such as spray pyrolysis, co-precipitation, and thermal decomposition. Thin films were deposited on glass substrates with the hematite phase, whereas synthetized nanoparticles shown the magnetite and maghemite phases. The influence of the temperature is related with the structural, optical and morphological characteristic, and its role on the arsenic removal properties of iron oxide nanostructures is studied. Also, their stability, re-use, and long term use of the nanostructures is described in this paper.

Brief Biography of the Speaker:
Arturo I. Martinez received the Ph. D. degree in Physical Chemistry from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Currently, he is a Scientist at the Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute in Saltillo, Mexico. His research interests are in preparation and haracterization of thin films and nanostructures of metal oxides, which include those of transition and main group metal ions. The classes of materials on which his research has focused include metal oxide thin films and semiconductors, for applications in photocatalysts, radiation detectors, electrochromism and water remediation. He has integrated students into his research projects to the extent that many of them have been included as co-authors on research papers given at international research meetings and published in peer reviewed research journals. He is the author and co-author of over 50 contributed and invited scientific presentations, refereed journal publications, book chapters, and invited seminars at universities.