Efficient removal of chromate at wide range of pH values by β-FeC2O4•2H2O with an amplified Kirkendall effect

In this study, we investigated the chromate (Cr(VI)) removal from the simulated wastewater by beta-FeC2O4 center dot 2H(2)O, the maximum Cr(VI) removal capacity of beta-FeC2O4 center dot 2H(2)O was 93.6 mg/g at the initial pH values of 3.0-10.0 and electron utilization efficiencies approached nearly 100%. The morphology and chemical compositions of fresh prepared and Cr(VI)-reacted beta-FeC2O4 center dot 2H(2)O were carefully examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fe-57 Mossbauer spectrum, energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) with depth profiles analysis. The results demonstrated that the Cr(VI) was efficiently removed by beta-FeC2O4 center dot 2H(2)O due to the amplified Kirkendall effect. The Cr(VI) was reduced to Cr (III) by Fe(II) when it adsorbed on beta-FeC2O4 center dot 2H(2)O. The in situ generated Cr(III) was then co-precipitated with Fe (III) to form Cr(III)/Fe(III) oxyhydroxides layer on the surface of beta-FeC2O4 center dot 2H(2)O. Meanwhile, soluble [Fe(III) (C2O42-)(2)](-) was generated and preferred to diffuse into aqueous solution. Therefore, the channel was formed for outward diffusion of [Fe(III)-(C2O42-)(2)](-). With assistance of the channel, surface absorbed Cr(VI) could move across the oxide layer facilely and get reduced at inner part. The higher diffusivity of [Fe(III)-(C2O42-)(2)](-) than Cr (VI) drave marked hollow-out phenomenon of the Cr(VI)-reacted beta-FeC2O4 center dot 2H(2)O. This mutual mass diffusion process would offset the negative effects of incrassated iron oxide shell, realizing efficient Cr(VI) removal of beta-FeC2O4 center dot 2H(2)O.

Automated summary

In this study, the removal of chromate (Cr(VI)) from simulated wastewater by beta-FeC2O4 center dot 2H(2)O was investigated. The results showed that beta-FeC2O4 center dot 2H(2)O had a high Cr(VI) removal capacity due to the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) by Fe(II). The study also revealed the mechanism of Cr(VI) removal by beta-FeC2O4 center dot 2H(2)O through careful examination of the morphology and chemical compositions of the material.