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Adsorption of hexavalent chromium onto kaolin clay based adsorbent

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Abstract

A low-cost adsorbent modified kaolin clay (MKC) was synthesized and utilized for Cr(VI) removal from aqueous solution. Adsorption experiments were carried out as a function of adsorbent dosage, solution pH, Cr(VI) mass concentration, contact time, electrolyte, and temperature. It is found that the adsorption efficiency is high within a wide pH range of 2.5–11.5, and equilibrium is achieved within 180 min. Increases in temperature and electrolyte concentration decrease the adsorption. The adsorption follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The Langmuir isotherm shows better fit than Freundlich isotherm. The maximum uptake capacities calculated from the Langmuir model are 15.82, 15.55 and 15.22 mg/g at 298, 308 and 318 K, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters reveals the spontaneous and exothermic nature of the adsorption. The FTIR study indicates that hydroxyl groups, NH4 + ions and NO3 − ions on MKC surface play a key role in Cr(VI) adsorption. The Cr(VI) desorbability of 86.53% is achieved at a Na2CO3 solution. The results show that MKC is suitable as a low-cost adsorbent for Cr(VI) removal which has higher adsorption capacity and faster adsorption rate at pH close to that where pollutants are usually found in the environment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Water Engineering and Science, College of Civil Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China

    Lin Deng  (邓林), Zhou Shi  (施周), Lu Luo  (罗璐), Shi-yang Chen  (陈世洋), Ling-fang Yang  (杨灵芳), Xiu-zhen Yang  (杨秀贞) & Li-shan Liu  (刘立山)

  2. Key Laboratory of Building Safety and Energy Efficiency of Ministry of Education (Hunan University), Changsha, 410082, China

    Lin Deng  (邓林), Zhou Shi  (施周), Lu Luo  (罗璐), Shi-yang Chen  (陈世洋), Ling-fang Yang  (杨灵芳), Xiu-zhen Yang  (杨秀贞) & Li-shan Liu  (刘立山)

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  1. Lin Deng  (邓林)
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  2. Zhou Shi  (施周)
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  3. Lu Luo  (罗璐)
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  5. Ling-fang Yang  (杨灵芳)
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  6. Xiu-zhen Yang  (杨秀贞)
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Correspondence to Zhou Shi  (施周).

Additional information

Foundation item: Project(2012BAJ24B03) supported by the National Science and Technology Support Program of China

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Deng, L., Shi, Z., Luo, L. et al. Adsorption of hexavalent chromium onto kaolin clay based adsorbent. J. Cent. South Univ. 21, 3918–3926 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-014-2379-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-014-2379-4

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