Synthesis and characterization of magnetite carbon nanocomposite from agro waste as chromium adsorbent for effluent treatment

The waste water released from industries which contain pollutants like heavy metals, dyes and other toxic chemicals brings numerous harms to the ecosystem and humans. Nowadays the nanocomposites based technologies are effectively used for environmental remediation. In the present study, hexavalent chromium was removed from the industrial effluent using magnetite carbon nanocomposite. The nanocomposite composed of highly porous carbon and iron oxide nanoparticles prepared by using agrowastes (sugarcane bagasse and orange peel extract). Iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) formation was confirmed by UV–visible spectroscopy; incorporation of magnetite with highly porous carbon was established by Fourier Transforms Infrared Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction Spectroscopy. Morphological features of magnetite nanoparticles and highly porous carbon were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscope and Transmission Electron Microscope. Magnetic properties analyzed by Vibrating Sample Magnetometer revealed magnetite carbon nanocomposite exhibited better Ms value than highly porous carbon. The concentration of Cr6+ in treated effluent was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Pseudo-second order equation fitted with kinetics and the Langmuir monolayer favors for isotherm. This study reveals efficiency in Cr6+ removal from effluent using magnetite carbon nanocomposites which extends their application in waste water treatment. [Display omitted] •Agrowaste mediated magnetite nanocomposite removed Cr6+ from industrial effluent.•Parameters to enhance Cr6+ adsorption was optimized by batch method.•Nanocomposites provided high adsorption efficiency of Cr6+ and dye.•Cr6+ adsorption is fitted with pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Langmuir model.•Nanocomposites could be used as an effective adsorbent.