Cr(VI) removal using Fe2O3-chitosan-cherry kernel shell pyrolytic charcoal composite beads

In this study, cherry kernel shell pyrolytic charcoal was synthesized (CKSC) and composite beads were obtained by blending this pyrolytic charcoal with chitosan and Fe2O3 nanoparticles (Fe-C-CKSC). Cr(VI) adsorption from aqueous solutions by Fe-C-CKSC composite beads and CKSC adsorbents was studied comparatively. The effects of Cr(VI) initial concentration, adsorbent dosage, contact time, pH and temperature parameters on Cr(VI) adsorption were investigated. Adsorption reached an equilibrium point within 120 min for CKSC and Fe-C-CKSC adsorbents. The maximum Cr(VI) removal was obtained at the initial pH value of 1.56 for CKSC and 2.00 for Fe-C-CKSC. The optimum adsorbent dosage was found to be 5 g/L for CKSC and 3 g/L for Fe-C-CKSC. Based on the Langmuir model, the maximum adsorption capacities were calculated as 14.455 mg/g and 47.576 mg/g for CKSC and Fe-C-CKSC, respectively. Thermodynamic and kinetic studies were performed. As a result of adsorption kinetics calculations, adsorption was found to be consistent with the pseudo second order kinetic model. Characterization of the synthesized adsorbents was performed by SEM, BET, FTIR and elemental analysis. This study has shown that low cost adsorbents CKSC and Fe-C-CKSC can be used in Cr(VI) removal from aqueous solutions.