A novel modified cellulose nanomaterials (CNMs) for remediation of chromium (VI) ions from wastewater

Wastewater (WW) remediation technologies were the most crucial issues all over the world at present time. Thus, the remediation of Cr (VI) ions from real WW was conducted using green biocompatible and biodegradable pristine (CNM) and succinic anhydride functionalized cellulose nanomaterial (S-CNM) adsorbents. Both CNM and S-CNM adsorbents were prepared by using sulfuric acid hydrolysis method and characterized for particle sizes, functional groups, and surface morphologies by using XRD, FT-IR, and SEM instruments, respectively. The physicochemical properties of the collected WW were investigated. Next, both the prepared adsorbents were applied for the remediation of Cr (VI) ions from WW. The remediation processes is spontaneous and have higher remediation efficiencies of Cr (VI) ions from WW. The Cr (VI) ions remediation mechanism was evaluated from both the Cr (VI) ions adsorption isotherms and kinetic concepts. Both Langmuir and Freundlich Cr (VI) ions adsorption isotherm models were certainly fixed to a maximum Cr (VI) ions uptake capability (q_max) of 60.24 and 156.25 mg g⁻¹ by CNM and S-CNM sorbents, respectively, and it follows pseudo-second-order (PSO) kinetics model through chemisorption processes. The Cr (VI) ions uptake capabilities were hindered by the presence of organic matter and any other competing pollutants in the WW. The S-CNM sorbent was selected for the regeneration study due to its higher efficiencies of remediation relative to CNM sorbent and the study was conducted through desorption of Cr (VI) ions by using HCl. Findings have shown that the sorbent was easily recyclable and applicable for the remediation of pollutants from real WW after consecutive 13th cycles. (paper)