Adsorptive Removal of Cr(VI) by Sargassum horneri–Based Activated Carbon Coated with Chitosan

Abstract

A novel polymer/activated carbon composite was prepared in this study by one-step chemical activation of Sargassum horneri, followed by surface modification with chitosan, a widely abundant biopolymer. The prepared composite was used as adsorbent to remove one of the most toxic metal ions, Cr(VI), from aqueous solution. Surface characterization tests revealed the material to be predominantly mesoporous with the specific surface area of 293.4 m2·g−1 and the average pore diameter of 6.27 nm. Enhanced uptake capacity of Cr(VI) by the prepared composite was obtained due to the presence of more metal-binding functional (amino and hydroxyl) groups on its surface. Extremely fast adsorption rate of Cr(VI) was also achieved due to the porous structure of the prepared composite. This study has clearly shown that Sargassum horneri can be a potential alternative precursor for carbon-based adsorbents and the proper designed polymer/AC composites can be tailor-made adsorbents for heavy metal removal.