Efficient, fast, simple, and eco-friendly methods for separation of toxic chromium(VI) ions based on ion exchangers and polymer materials impregnated with Cyphos IL 101, Cyphos IL 104, or D2EHPA

Abstract

In this study, we present the results of the first comparison of the elimination of toxic Cr(VI) ions, which are hazardous contamination of the environment, from aqueous solutions using ion exchangers (IEs) and polymer materials (PMs) impregnated with D2EHPA or ionic liquids (Cyphos IL 101 and Cyphos IL 104). Sorption of Cr(VI) ions and desorption from the formulated sorption materials were carried out. In comparison, classical solvent extraction was accomplished. Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) have been used for characterization of the structure of developed IEs and PMs. The highest efficiency of adsorption of Cr(VI) ions was obtained using PMs with ionic liquids (>82%). Desorption from these materials were also very efficient (>75%). On the contrary, the application of IEs allowed for obtaining the best results of both, sorption and desorption processes when using D2EHPA (75% and 72%, respectively). The application of PMs and IEs is part of the green chemistry, and the conducted elimination of chromium(VI) ions using developed materials allows for the conclusion that they can potentially be used on a larger scale, e.g., for the treatment of industrial wastewater rich in Cr(VI) ions.