Sequestration of chromium by Ananas comosus extract–coated nanotubes: synthesis, characterization, optimization, thermodynamics, kinetics, and antioxidant activities

Abstract

AbstractHerein, a superior adsorbent was fabricated via immobilizing Ananas comosus juice extract on nanotubes (MWPJ) for the removal of chromium (VI) from simulated wastewater. The batch adsorption technique was used to establish the influence of solution pH, adsorbent dosage, solution temperature, initial Cr(VI) concentration, and contact time on the adsorption of chromium (VI). To comprehend the surface properties and to confirm chromium (VI) adsorption onto MWPJ and MWCNTs, TGA, SEM, and FTIR analyses were performed for MWPJ and MWCNTs before and after the adsorption process. These spectroscopic techniques revealed the temperature and surface characteristics responsible for the effectiveness of MWPJ. MWPJ and MWCNTs demonstrated optimum removal potential at solution pH 2, 0.05 g adsorbent dosage, and 180 min contact time. The MWPJ and MWCNTs had a maximum adsorption potential of 44.87 and 33.38 mg g−1 at 25 °C respectively. The reaction rate kinetics data for MWPJ and MWCNTs fitted well with Elovich and the pseudo-first-order kinetic model, respectively, while the saturated equilibrium data were best described by Freundlich isotherm. The thermodynamics analysis revealed that the uptake of Cr(VI) onto MWPJ and MWCNTs was a spontaneous and exothermic process. After five adsorption–desorption cycles of MWPJ, about 80% removal efficiency of Cr(VI) ions was sustained. Hence, MWPJ has demonstrated a superior capacity for practical applications in environmental remediation practice.