Core-Shell Bimagnetic Nanoadsorbents for Hexavalent Chromium Removal from Aqueous Solutions

Novel nanoadsorbents based on core-shell bimagnetic nanoparticles (CoFe2O4@y-Fe2O3) with two different mean sizes were elaborated, characterized and applied as potential sorbents for Cr(VI) removal from aqueous solutions through magnetically assisted chemical separation. The nanoadsorbents were characterized by XRD, TEM, FTIR, XPS, potentiometric-conductometric titration, BET and vibrating sample magnetometry. The influence of contact time, shaking rate, pH, pollutant concentration, temperature and competing ions on Cr(VI) adsorption were evaluated. The results were analyzed in the framework of Langmuir and Freundlich models to evaluate the maximum adsorption capacity and the extent of affinity. The nanoadsorbents showed a good selectivity for Cr(VI) adsorption and were more effective at pH = 2.5, with a shaking rate of 400 RPM. The adsorption process was spontaneous, endothermic and presented an increased randomness. The contact time required to reach the equilibrium was relatively short and the kinetic date followed the pseudo-second-order model. The maximum adsorption capacity was nearly 40% higher for the nanoadsorbent of smaller mean size due to its higher surface area. Regeneration studies revealed that the nanoadsorbents can be recovered for reuse. These results indicate that prepared nanoadsorbents can be used as a powerful tool for Cr(VI) removal from contaminated water.