Combined adsorption and reduction of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution on polyaniline/multiwalled carbon nanotubes composite

Polyaniline/multiwalled carbon nanotube (PANI-MWCNT) was prepared by bounding polyaniline on the surface of oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotube. The structure and surface properties of synthesized composites were characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and its adsorption capability for aqueous Cr(VI) was also studied. Characterized results showed that polyaniline was successfully anchored on the surface of MWCNT. From adsorption experiments the maximum adsorption amount of Cr(VI) onto PANI-MWCNTs was 28.25, 31.75 and 36.76 mg·g ‒1 at 15, 25 and 35 °C. Thermodynamic parameters showed that the Cr(VI) adsorption process was endothermic, spontaneous and feasible. Cr(VI) adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. Cr(VI) adsorption on the adsorbent decreases with increasing solution pH. The presence of anions in solution almost has no effect on Cr(VI) adsorption, indicating good selectivity. XPS analysis confirms that electrostatic interaction, reduction and chelation contribute to enhanced Cr(VI) removal. Cr(VI) loaded absorbent can be readily desorbed in 0.1 mol·L ‒1 of NaOH solution, and the desorption rate was 84.12%.