Removal of Cr (VI) from aqueous solutions using chitosan/MWCNT/Fe3O4 composite nanofibers-batch and column studies

• The chitosan/MWCNTs/Fe3O4 nanofibers were fabricated via electrospinning.
• Cr (VI) sorption in single and fixed-bed column systems were investigated.
• The sorption process achieved the equilibrium after 30 min.
• The nanofibrous adsorbent were regenerated for five sorption–desorption cycles.

In the present study, the chitosan/MWCNT/Fe3O4 composite nanofibrous adsorbent was fabricated by electrospinning process and its application for the removal efficiency of Cr (VI) ions from aqueous solutions was investigated. The prepared nanofibers were characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM and TEM analysis. The effects of sorption parameters such as contact time, initial concentration and temperature were evaluated in a batch system. The kinetic and equilibrium data were well described by pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models. The spontaneous and endothermic nature of Cr (VI) sorption by the chitosan/MWCNT/Fe3O4 nanofibrous adsorbent was achieved. In fixed bed column studies, the Cr (VI) sorption capacity was increased by increasing the flow rate up to 4 mL min−1. Thomas model was well predicted the adsorption capacity of Cr (VI) by the chitosan/MWCNTs/Fe3O4 nanofibers in a fixed bed column. The removal efficiency of Cr (VI) ions by the regenerated nanofibers, did not significantly change in both batch and fixed-bed column studies. The results showed the high potential of chitosan/MWCNTs/Fe3O4 nanofibers for the removal of Cr (VI) ions from water and wastewater.

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