Abstract
In this study, activated carbon microsphere (SLACM) was prepared from powdered sodium lignosulfonate (SL) and polystyrene by the Mannich reaction and ZnCl2 activation, which can be used to remove Cr(VI) from the aqueous solution without adding any binder. The SLACM was characterized and the batch experiments were conducted under different initial pH values, initial concentrations, contact time durations and temperatures to investigate the adsorption performance of Cr(VI) onto SLACM. The results indicated that the SLACM surface area and average pore size were 769.37 m2/g and 2.46 nm (the mesoporous material), respectively. It was found that the reduced initial pH value, the increased temperature and initial Cr(VI) concentration were beneficial to Cr(VI) adsorption. The maximum adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) on SLACM was 227.7 mg/g at an initial pH value of 2 and the temperature of 40 °C. The adsorption of SLACM for Cr(VI) mainly occurred during the initial stages of the adsorption process. The adsorption kinetic and isotherm experimental data were thoroughly described by Elovich and Langmuir models, respectively. SL could be considered as a potential raw material for the production of activated carbon, which had a considerable potential for the Cr(VI) removal from wastewater.
Highlights
Water pollution has become a global issue because of its increasing impact on human and animal health
The specific surface area and pore volume of SLACM sample was evaluated by the BET method according to Nitrogen adsorption isotherms measured at 77 K
The chromium ions could be trapped in the pores of SLACM due to the radiuses of chromium ions were less than the pore size of the adsorbent [33]
Summary
Water pollution has become a global issue because of its increasing impact on human and animal health. The effluents from a variety of industrial processes such as metallurgy, petroleum refining, batteries, and electroplating are responsible for introducing these heavy metals into aquatic environments [4,5]. These heavy metals include chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and other heavy metal ions and compounds [6,7,8]. These heavy metals are insistent and non-degradable in nature, but they are soluble in the aquatic environment; they can be absorbed into living cells [9]. Cr(III) is a human micronutrient, Polymers 2020, 12, 236; doi:10.3390/polym12010236 www.mdpi.com/journal/polymers
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