Enhanced removal of aqueous Cr(VI) using optimized Fe complex on EDTA modified cotton fiber via photocatalytic reduction and adsorption hybrid functions

Cotton fabric was modified with Na2EDTA using a hydrothermal method and subsequent coordination of Fe(III) ions to produce a EDTA modified cotton fiber Fe complex (Fe-EDTA-Cotton) for the synergistic removal of Cr(VI) species from water through photocatalytic reduction and adsorption processes. High Na2EDTA concentration or hydrothermal temperature increased carboxyl group content (QCOOH) and Fe content (QFe) of the resulting Fe-EDTA-Cotton. Increasing QFe value of the complex or stronger irradiation favored the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) species. Fe-EDTA-Cotton with high QCOOH value exhibited a good adsorption performance of the generated Cr(III) ions during the reaction. Thus, high photocatalytic reduction efficiency and strong Cr(III) ions capturing ability were responsible for the enhanced removal of Cr(VI) species of Fe-EDTA-Cotton as a hybrid photocatalyst in cyclic reuse.