ZVI/PANI/ATP composite by static polymerization as adsorbent for removal of Cr(vi)

Abstract

Much work is devoted to studying the application of zero valent iron (ZVI) in permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) which is used to remove heavy metal ions in low concentrations. However, to date, fewer studies have reported the utilization of organic conductive polymers to cover the surface of ZVI particles for improving adsorption capacity. A Polyaniline/Attapulgite (PANI/ATP) composite was well prepared in a solution of HNO₃ by static polymerization, in which the ZVI particles were successfully dispersed in a highly viscous PANI/ATP composite. Also, the effect of the anticorrosive properties and electrical conductivity of PANI on the surface of the ZVI particles for the removal of Cr(VI) was studied, solving the problem of poor-dispersion and easy-corrosion of the ZVI particles. The results show that the mass ratio of An , ZVI and ATP in this material was 1 : 4 : 4 and the adsorption capacity achieved for the removal of Cr(VI) from water was 86.56 mg g⁻¹, thus the material shows great potential as an efficient adsorbent for water pollution arising from heavy metal ions on a large scale.