Synthesis of novel modified magnetic chitosan particles and their adsorption performance toward Cr(VI)

Novel adsorbents, poly([2-(methacryloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride) modified magnetic chitosan particles (DMCPs), were synthesized via free radical polymerization and applied to adsorb Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. The effects of pH (2–11), Cr(VI) concentration (10–200 mg/L) and contact time (0–420 min) on the adsorption performance were evaluated. The results showed that the adsorption capacity of DMCPs was much larger than that of magnetic chitosan particles (MCPs) in the examined pH range and decreased with Cl − concentration increasing, indicating that electrostatic interaction and ion exchange are the governing mechanisms of Cr(VI) adsorption by DMCPs. The Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetic model fitted the experimental data well. The maximum adsorption capacity of DMCPs is 153.85 mg/g. Besides, Cr(VI)-loaded DMCPs could be easily separated and efficiently regenerated. Therefore, DMCPs are promising candidates for Cr(VI) adsorption owing to their excellent performance in a wide pH range, easy separation and good reusability.