Multiple applications of bio-graphene foam for efficient chromate ion removal and oil-water separation

Abstract

This paper presents the synthesis of bio-graphene foams (bGFs) from renewable sources, and the application of bGFs as new adsorbents in removal of chromate ions and oil contaminants from waste water. A two-step synthetic method was developed to produce bGFs with unique porous architecture and high specific surface area (up to 805 m2 g−1) that is highly desirable for environmental applications. The adsorption performance of prepared bGFs for removal of chromate ions from water was studied in relation to CrO42− concentration, adsorbent load, pH, and contact time to confirm adsorption capacity, kinetics and pH dependence. The adsorption isotherms of chromate ions were consistent with the Langmuir model, revealing an outstanding adsorption capacity of 245 mg of Cr(VI)/g bGFs (pH∼7). bGFs were capable of reducing Cr(VI) in water below the maximum permissible level (0.050 mg dm−3) for human consumption (WHO). In a second application, our results convincingly showed excellent performance of bGFs in separating organic solvents and oils from water in a continuous oil-water separation process showing 99.1% and 98.8% separation efficiency for toluene and petroleum, respectively. Our findings confirm that the outstanding performance of bGFs, and suggest their use as efficient adsorbents for environmental remediation.