A novel modified graphene oxide/chitosan composite used as an adsorbent for Cr(VI) in aqueous solutions

A novel adsorbent for removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from aqueous solutions has been successfully prepared by modifying graphene oxide/chitosan composite with disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA-2Na) (GEC). This modified composite was characterized by various technologies; including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Batch adsorption experiments were carried out to evaluate the adsorption of Cr(VI) by GEC under different conditions. The results indicate that the adsorption of Cr(VI) on GEC was highly pH-dependent, with the highest adsorption capacity (86.17 mg/g) occurring at pH 2. The kinetics of adsorption exhibited pseudo-second-order behavior. The adsorption data were well described by the Freundlich isotherm model. The adsorption capacity increased with increasing temperature. The calculated thermodynamic parameters indicate that the adsorption is a spontaneous, endothermic and feasible process. The further regeneration experiments showed the adsorption capacity of GEC for Cr(VI) decreased 5% after 7 times reuse, indicating the potential of the as-prepared material for practical application.