Effective adsorption of Cr(VI) on mesoporous Fe-functionalized Akadama clay: Optimization, selectivity, and mechanism

- Fe-functionalized Akadama Clay (FFAC) was prepared with FeCl3.
- Independent contribution of influencing factors on Cr(VI) adsorption was tested.
- The influence order of coexisting ions followed PO43− > SO42− > Cl−.
- Cr(VI) removal was controlled by electrostatic attraction, ligant exchange and redox.
- FFAC had four times higher adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) than pristine AC.