Rapid removal of Cr(VI) ions using quaternary ammonium fibers functioned by 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate and modified with 1-bromoalkanes

• The fibers for high and rapid removal of Cr(VI) were prepared by two steps.
• The removal rate of Cr(VI) could reach 97% within 4 min at pH 2–6.
• Maximum adsorption capacities of Cr(VI) ions were 105.8 mg/g.
• The mechanism for adsorption of Cr(VI) ions was ion exchange mechanism.

The quaternary ammonium fibers which could remove Cr(VI) ions rapidly were prepared by radiation-induced grafting of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) onto polypropylene (PP) fibers (PP-g-DMAEMA) and modifying with 1-bromoalkanes. The FTIR, FESEM, XPS and TG-DTG spectra manifested that the quaternary ammonium group was introduced onto the surface of PP fibers. The main factors influencing the adsorption of Cr(VI) ions including contact time, pH of the aqueous solution and adsorption dosage were investigated. The removal rate could reach 97% within 4 min and the kinetics study indicated that adsorption process was surface reaction controlled. Maximum adsorption capacities of Cr(VI) ions at 25 °C were 105.8 mg/g based on the Langmuir isotherms. These results suggested that the quaternary ammonium fibers have potential application for the removal of hazardous metal pollutants from wastewater highly and rapidly.

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