Abstract
Hydrogels find applications in various fields, and the ever-growing spectrum of available monomers, crosslinking, and nanotechnologies widen the application of polymer hydrogels. Herein, we describe the preparation of a new graphene (G)- and polyaniline (PANI)-containing functional polymer gel (G/PANI/FG) through a facile crosslinking copolymerization approach. Several characterization techniques such as field-emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to understand the physicochemical characteristics of the G/PANI/FG. The new G/PANI/FG was used as an adsorbent for chromium (VI) and exhibited the highest Cr (VI) removal efficiency (~97%). The inclusion of G and PANI in the gel results in high surface area, 3D porous structure, and Cr (VI)-chelating amine sites, which enhanced the Cr (VI) removal efficiency and thermal stability of the gel adsorbent. The results of our study revealed that G/PANI/FG is suited for the removal of Cr (VI) from aqueous solution.
Highlights
Chromium (Cr), one of the most significant metal pollutants, is widely used by modern industries such as that of textiles and electroplating leather, and is likely to be discharged into the environment above the threshold limit
There is a need to develop new effective adsorbents which can support both adsorption of Cr (VI) and transformation of Cr (VI) to Cr (III). Taking these aspects into account, the present study focuses on the development of a new kind of graphene (G)- and polyaniline (PANI)-containing functional gel adsorbent
Our results demonstrated the high potential for removal and detoxification of Cr (VI) in an aqueous medium using the newly developed Gand PANI-containing functional gel, where the parent gel was composed of poly(acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid-co-acrylic acid), namely P(AMPS-co-AA)
Summary
Chromium (Cr), one of the most significant metal pollutants, is widely used by modern industries such as that of textiles and electroplating leather, and is likely to be discharged into the environment above the threshold limit. There are differences in solubility, mobility, and toxicity between Cr (VI) and Cr (III). Different methods—such as precipitation, solvent extraction chemical and electrochemical techniques, ion-exchange methods, ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis, flotation, and coagulation—have been developed for the removal of Cr (VI) ions from industrial effluents and wastewaters [4,5,6,7]. Most of these processes are unacceptable for practical Cr (VI) removal, owing to the difficulties in the disposal of sludge, high cost, low efficiency, and non-applicability to a wide range of conditions. As compared to other methods, adsorption is a well-known separation method and recognized as one of the efficient and economic methods for water decontamination
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