Removal of chromium (VI) ions from aqueous solutions by N-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan-bentonite

This study provided information on the preparation and the Cr (VI) adsorption potential of N-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (HTCC)-bentonite nanocomposite as an absorbent. HTCC-bentonite was characterized by small angle x-ray diffraction, Fourier transforming infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Batch adsorption experiment of chromium was performed to investigate the effects of pH, initial concentration, adsorbent dosage, contact time, etc. The maximum adsorption was observed at a pH value of 1. Adsorption of chromium on HTCC-bentonite was favored at lower temperature and established equilibrium in 30 min. The Cr (VI) adsorption followed Langmuir isotherm models, and the maximum adsorption capacity was obtained at 22.17 mg g(-1).