Mechanochemically synthesized cobalt-ferrite and starch-coated cobalt-ferrite nanoparticles as efficient adsorbents for hexavalent chromium removal

Abstract

Cobalt-ferrite (CoFe2O4) and starch-coated CoFe2O4 nanoparticles were prepared by the mechanochemical method and carefully chosen as adsorbents for Cr(VI) removal from wastewater. The kinetic study, adsorption isotherms and influence of pH, contact time and interfering ions were investigated to have deeper insight into adsorbent quality. UV/Vis spectroscopy confirmed that the dominant adsorption mechanism is the electrostatic attraction at lower pH values. The study showed there was no significant change in adsorption efficiency for starch-coated nanoparticles. However, starch as a natural and biocompatible compound can enhance nanoparticles water dispersibility. The advantage of such materials is that saturation time does not exceed 20 minutes. Therefore, the as-prepared and starch-coated CoFe2O4 presents very efficient material for application in the field of water remediation.