A novel biochar-based 3D composite for ultrafast and selective Cr(VI) removal in electroplating wastewater

Abstract

In this study, a newly developed composite of biochar-poly(m-phenylenediamine) (BC-PmPD) exhibiting a distinct skeletal structure was synthesized for the purpose of extracting Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. BC was employed as a supportive carrier onto which PmPD nanoparticles were uniformly affixed through in-situ polymerization and oxidation synthesis, both within and outside the layered configuration of BC. The structural stability and morphologies of BC-PmPD were assessed utilizing Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, analysis of specific surface area and pore size, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction. In comparison to other modified BCs reported, BC-PmPD exhibited the highest Cr(VI) removal rate. Specifically, at 303 K, BC-PmPD achieved a maximum Cr(VI) removal capacity of 775 mg g⁻¹, surpassing the capabilities of unmodified BC and PmPD by 10.4 and 2.13 times, respectively. Analyses involving XPS, FTIR, and density functional theory calculation confirmed that proton transfer happened between protonated amine (−NH₂) functional group within the structure of BC-PmPD and HCrO₄ ⁻ before the formation of hydrogen bond. Subsequently, environmentally persistent free radicals facilitated the reduction of the adsorbed Cr(VI). Quantification of the functional groups indicated that the amino group was responsible for 93.0% of the Cr(VI) adsorption in BC-PmPD. BC-PmPD displayed potent adsorption and reduction capabilities, alongside notable stability, repeatability, and promising potential for application in the remediation for high concentrations of Cr(VI) in electroplating wastewater scenarios.

Highlights

•	Novel 3D material was prepared and the removal rate of Cr(VI) on BC-PmPD was the highest as compared to reported BCs.
•	The maximum adsorption amount of Cr(VI) on BC-PmPD was high up to 1034 mg g−1 at 323 K and −NH2 adsorbed 93.0% HCrO4 –.
•	DFT calculation confirmed proton transfer happened between protonated −NH2 and HCrO4 − before the formation of H bond.

Keywords

BC-poly(m-phenylenediamine) composite / Selective removal of Cr(VI) / Electroplating wastewater / Proton transfer / H bond

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Funding

Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology(2020B1212060022); National Natural Science Foundation of China(41920104003); GDAS' Project of Science and Technology Development(2023GDASZH-2023010103)