Carbon bead-supported hollow carbon nanofibers synthesized via templating method for the removal of hexavalent chromium

Novel triethanol amine-grafted hollow carbon nanofibers (CNFs), supported on carbon beads, were synthesized via templating method for the removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) ions from water. CNFs were grown on carbon beads by chemical vapor deposition using the in situ incorporated Cr nanoparticles in the beads, as the catalyst. The beads were ultra-sonicated to remove the nanoparticles from the tip of the CNFs, thereby creating the hollow CNFs. The Cr(VI)-adsorption capacity of the material was determined to be similar to 51 mg/g at 125 ppm-initial concentration and 4.5-solution pH. Negligible interference from coexisting metal ions in water was found with the Cr(VI)-adsorption. (C) 2016 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.