Concurrent adsorption and micro-electrolysis of Cr(VI) by nanoscale zerovalent iron/biochar/Ca-alginate composite

Zhonghao Wan, Dong Wan Cho, Daniel C.W. Tsang, Meng Li, Tan Sun, Francis Verpoort

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

166 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This study introduced a new approach for simultaneously enhancing Cr(VI) removal performance and mitigating release of dissolved Fe during nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI)-mediated reactions. After entrapping nZVI-impregnated biochar (BC) in the matrix of calcium-alginate (CA) bead, the physicochemical characterization of nZVI/BC/CA composites revealed that nZVI/BC particles were embedded inside CA having a spherical shape and several cracks on its outer layer. The multi-functionality of nZVI/BC/CA composites consisting of reductant (nZVI), porous adsorbent (BC), and external screening layer (CA) enhanced the removal of Cr(VI) with the maximum adsorption capacity of 86.4 mg/g (based on the Langmuir isotherm) and little release of dissolved Fe. With the XPS analysis and fitting results of kinetics (pseudo second order) and isotherms (Redlich-Peterson model), plausible removal mechanisms of Cr(VI) were simultaneous adsorption and micro-electrolysis reactions by nZVI/BC/CA composites. The practical applicability of nZVI/BC/CA composites was further demonstrated through the fixed-bed column experiments. These results provide new insights into the design of high-performance engineered biochar for wastewater treatment.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)410-420
Number of pages11
JournalEnvironmental Pollution
Volume247
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2019

Keywords

  • Engineered biochar
  • Green/sustainable remediation
  • Hexavalent chromium
  • Metal-biochar composite
  • Solid-supported nZVI

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Toxicology
  • Pollution
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

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