• Saad, Eman M.
• Abd-Elhafiz, Mohammed F.
• Markeb, Ahmad Abo
• Ahmed, Eman M.

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>In this study, we developed a novel nanocomposite, polyurethane foam impregnated with zero-valent iron nanoparticles (PU@nZVI), for the effective removal of chromium(VI) from various water sources. The characterization of nanocomposite (PU@nZVI) was performed by XRD, SEM–EDS, TEM and FT-IR techniques. Using the response surface methodology, we optimized the removal conditions, achieving an optimal pH of 2 and a dose of 0.5 g/L. The PU@nZVI demonstrated an excellent maximum adsorption capacity of 600.0 mg/g for Cr<jats:sup>6+</jats:sup>. The adsorption kinetics and isotherms were best described by the pseudo-second-order model and the Freundlich isotherm, respectively. Significantly, the nanocomposite removed 99.98% of Cr<jats:sup>6+</jats:sup> from tap water, 96.81% from industrial effluent, and 94.57% from treated sewage wastewater. Furthermore, the PU@nZVI maintained its efficiency over five adsorption–desorption cycles, highlighting its reusability. These results suggest that the PU@nZVI nanocomposite is a highly efficient and sustainable option for chromium(VI) removal in water treatment applications.</jats:p>

Topics

• nanoparticle
• nanocomposite
• impedance spectroscopy
• surface
• chromium
• scanning electron microscopy
• x-ray diffraction
• transmission electron microscopy
• iron
• Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy