Zinc ferrite–PVA nanocomposite and removal of chromium from aqueous solution

Abstract

Nanosize zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) was prepared by coprecipitation of zinc and iron hydroxides and subsequent calcinations at 500°C. This was characterised by X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopic techniques. Nanosize ZnFe2O4 (5 wt%) was dispersed in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution and, on evaporation, a film of 1-mm thickness was formed. A PVA film of same dimension was also made. The film was characterised by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and electrical conductivity measurement methods. This film was used to remove Cr6+ from dichromate solution and it was found that the method was quite effective and pH-dependent.