Recyclable functionalized polymer films for the efficient removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions

Abstract

In this study, polyethylenimine-functionalized poly(vinyl alcohol) (PEI-PVA) films were prepared for the first time to remove aqueous Cr(VI). The results indicate that our PEI-PVA films have an excellent potential for Cr(VI) removal and their maximum removal capacity was 396.83 mg g⁻¹. The optimized pH value was 2, the adsorption of Cr(VI) was fitted to the Langmuir model, and the kinetics of uptake could be described well by a pseudo-second-order rate model. Taking into account the simplified separation method of adsorbents and solutions, we used a PVA film as a carrier in which PEI-PVA microspheres were filled to obtain a PEI-PVA functionalized film (PPF). The PPF shows a great efficiency in the removal of Cr(VI) ions in solution, which can absorb and reduce the Cr(VI) ion concentration in the solution in 90 min. PPF has excellent selectivity and the removal efficiency of Cr(VI) ions in the presence of co-existing ions is not reduced. It also has good recycling properties; the removal efficiency remains at 77% over four cycles. The removal mechanism of Cr(VI) ions by PEI-PVA microspheres involves the reduction of the adsorbed Cr(VI) ions to Cr(III) ions, which are less toxic.