Reduction of Cr(VI) with a relative high concentration using different kinds of zero-valent iron powders: Focusing on effect of carbon content and structure on reducibility

Abstract

Reduction of Cr(VI) using zero-valent iron (ZVI) could not only decrease the amounts of chemicals used for reduction, but also decrease the discharge of sludge. In order to find a desirable ZVI material, reduction of Cr(VI) with a relative high concentration using different kinds of ZVI powders (mainly carbon differences) including reduced Fe, grey cast iron, pig iron, nodular pig iron was carried out. Parameters such as ZVI dosage, type and size affecting on Cr(VI) reduction were firstly examined and grey cast iron was selected as a preferable reducing material, followed by pig iron. Additionally, it was found that the parameters had significant influences on experimental kinetics. Then, morphology and composition of the sample before and after reaction were characterized by SEM, EPMA and XPS analyses to disclose carbon effect on the reducibility. In order to further interpret reaction mechanism, different reaction models were constructed. It was revealed that not only the carbon content could affect the Cr(VI) reduction, but also the carbon structure had an important effect on its reduction.

Keywords

relative high concentration Cr(VI) / reduction / ZVI powder / carbon content / carbon structure

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