Abstract
The efficient removal of Cr(VI) from water is a crucial environmental concern, and in this study, the focus was on addressing this issue by investigating a new flower-like cerium phosphate polyaniline nanocomposite (CePO4-PANI) material. This material was synthesized using an in situ oxidative polymerization method, resulting in a flower-like morphology that was confirmed through field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images. The adsorption of Cr(VI) onto the material followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model, with a high adsorption capacity of 129.87 ± 2.1 mg g−1 at room temperature in a wide pH range of 2 to 6. The CePO4-PANI nanocomposite is a promising adsorbent for the treatment of Cr(VI), with high tolerance to co-anions and efficient regeneration after multiple adsorption-desorption cycles. XPS spectra revealed the simultaneous adsorption of Cr(VI) and in situ chemical reduction to Cr(III) via electrostatic attractions and chelation methods. Its unique flower-like morphology, coupled with its impressive adsorption capacity, co-anion tolerance, and efficient regeneration, make it a promising alternative to existing technologies for water treatment.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, for granting access to the instrumentation facilities required to conduct this research.
Authors’ contributions
Sumanta Sahu: Investigation, Analysis, Validation, Writing-original draft, Writing-review & editing. Raj Kishore Patel: Supervision, Validation, Writing - review & editing.
Disclosure statement
There are no conflicts of interest to declare.