A preliminary batch study of sorption kinetics of Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solutions by a magnetic ion exchange (MIEX®) resin and determination of film/pore diffusivity

A magnetic ion exchange resin was tested for the removal of Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solutions in a batch reactor at different resin dosages (0.5–1.5gL−1), pH values (2−10), temperatures (25°C–55°C) and initial concentrations of Cr(VI) (0.11–2.12mmolL−1 or 5.7–110mgL−1). The experimental data were evaluated using kinetic models based on the rate controlling steps relevant to pseudo-first order or pseudo-second order reactions or diffusion through fluid film or pores of the MIEX resin beads. Fast uptake of Cr(VI) ions by MIEX resin facilitates the attainment of equilibrium within 60min. The sorption process is strongly dependent on the initial pH of the solution with maximum occurring at pH4–6. The sorption of Cr(VI) at equilibrium increases with the increase in initial concentration according to the Langmuir isotherm, with a maximum sorption capacity of 93mgg−1 on MIEX resin. Relatively low activation energy of 43kJmol−1 at a high initial concentration of 1mmolL−1 Cr(VI) suggests a mixed chemical-diffusion controlled process, supported by the agreement of the sorption results with the homogeneous particle diffusion model with a film diffusivity of Df=1×10−9m2s−1 and a pore diffusivity of Dp=8×10−13m2s−1. •The sorption kinetics of Cr(VI) on the characterized MIEX resin was tested in a batch reactor.•Most efficient sorption as HCrO4− takes place at pH4–6 with an activation energy of 43kJmol−1.•Sorption obeys Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetics.•Coefficients of film/pore diffusion of Cr(VI) were calculated.