Abstract
In this study, silica aerogel was synthesized by drying at atmospheric pressure and modified further with aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES). The amine-functionalized silica aerogel was investigated as an adsorbent for removal of nickel and chromium ions. The effect of contact time, solution pH, and initial solution concentration were studied. The equilibrium was achieved within 60 min. The optimum pH was found to be 4. Adsorption equilibrium data were agreed fairly well with Langmuir isotherm model. Adsorption capacities for nickel and chromium ions were found to be 40.32 mg/g and 46.08 mg/g, respectively.
Highlights
Electroplating is one of the most hazardous chemical industries due to its metal-contaminated wastewater
Silica aerogel was synthesized by drying at atmospheric pressure which is easy and safe
The objective of this work was to study the adsorption of nickel and chromium from aqueous solutions by aminefunctionalized silica aerogel
Summary
Electroplating is one of the most hazardous chemical industries due to its metal-contaminated wastewater. Heavy metals cause environmental problems as pollutants because of their characteristics such as high toxicity, non-biodegradability, and accumulation in food chain [1]. Electroplating wastewater must be treated before discharge. Treating electroplating wastewater can be employed by various techniques such as chemical precipitation, coagulation-flocculation, floatation, adsorption, ionexchange, membrane filtration, and electrochemical processes. Adsorption is one of the most promising techniques when initial heavy metal concentration below 100 ppm [2]. Adsorption process is simple design, easy to use, and flexible. It has low operating cost, low fouling problems, and most economic for elimination of heavy metals from wastewater [3]
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