Preparation of MnOx-Modified Biochar and Its Removal Mechanism for Cr(VI) in Aqueous Solution

Abstract

Biochar (BC) is considered to be a great potential adsorbent to remove various contaminants, but the sorption capacity for chromium (Cr) is predominantly limited for the net negative charge. In this study, BC from rice husk was impregnated with Mn(NO3)2 solution to synthesize MnOx-modified BC (MnOBCs) for enhancing Cr(VI) removal in an aqueous solution. MnOBCs were characterized, and MnOx (manganese ore) was found to be the dominant crystal in MnOBCs. Batch sorption and kinetic experiments combined with spectral analysis were carried out to elucidate the sorption capacity and mechanisms of Cr(VI) sorption onto BC and MnOBCs. Results showed that the sorption kinetic process fitted to the Elovich model, and the modification enhanced the sorption capacity of Cr(VI) on BC. Compared to ion strength, pH is the main control factor for Cr(VI) fixed on BC and MnOBCs, and the sorption amount decreased with the pH value increasing. Moreover, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results showed that the proportion of Mn(II) decreased from 33.59% to 8.33%, and that of Mn(VI) increased from 30.58% to 52.72% after Cr(VI) sorption on MnOBCs. Meanwhile, the reduction reaction of Cr(VI) occurred during the sorption process on the BC and MnOBCs surface, and the reduction reaction was more obvious on the MnOBCs surface. MnOx loaded in BC can enhance the electrostatic attraction and redox capacity, which can improve the removal of Cr(VI) in an aqueous solution. This study provides information on the sorption and redox of Cr(VI) on BC, and allows us to better understand the mechanism of Cr(VI) removal in solutions by MnOBCs.