Synthesis of polyaniline nanocomposite and its application for chromium removal from aqueous solution

The aim of this research was to investigate the sorption characteristics of polyaniline coated on sawdust (PAn/SD) for the removal of Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solutions. The sorption of Cr(VI) ions was carried out by the batch method. Characterization of PAn/SD was done by FTIR and SEM. The optimum conditions of sorption were found to be a PAn/SD dose of 0.6 g in 100 mL of Cr(VI) solution (50 mg/L), a contact time of 20 min, pH 2, and a temperature of 20°C, Increased temperature had a negative effect on the removal efficiency. Three equations, that is Morris–Weber, Lagergren, and pseudo‐second‐order, were tested to track the kinetics of the removal process. The kinetic data indicated that the adsorption process was described by the Morris–Weber equation. The Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin–Radushkevick models were used with sorption data to estimate sorption capacity, intensity, and energy. The data were fitted with the Freundlich model. The thermodynamic parameters ΔH, ΔS, and ΔG were evaluated. They showed that the adsorption of Cr(VI) onto PAn/SD was feasible, spontaneous, and exothermic under the studied conditions. For desorption of Cr(VI) adsorbed onto PAn/SD, aqueous NaOH was used; with it, 85% of the adsorbed Cr(VI) could be desorbed. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers