Cr(VI) removal from aqueous solution using modified zeolite-iron chloride and its future recommendation

[Display omitted] •Zeolite-FeCl3 was successfully prepared using pyrolysis.•Zeolite-FeCl3 can remove artificial solution of Cr(VI) using adsorption process.•Isotherm model of Cr(VI) removal fitted with Langmuir model.•The thermodynamic test showed that adsorption happened spontaneously in exothermic. Various types of Zeolite/FeCl3 nanocomposites were examined for their efficacy in removing Cr(VI) from an artificial solution. The investigation included an assessment of removal efficiency, expressed as percent removal, as well as the application of isotherm and kinetic models, and an analysis of thermodynamic factors. The nanocomposites were characterized using FTIR, SEM-EDX, and BET analysis. The results indicated that the optimal mass of adsorbent was 2 g, achieving an 87% removal rate for a Cr(VI) concentration of 70 mg/L. The optimal contact time for Cr(VI) removal was found to be 4 h, resulting in a removal efficiency of 93.33%, while the optimum temperature for Cr(VI) removal was determined to be 30 °C, with a reduction of 94.25%. The isotherm model for Cr(VI) sorption onto Zeolite/FeCl3 exhibited a good fit to the Langmuir model (R2 = 0.9564). Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic.