Title: Iron oxide slag nanocomposites in removal of hexavalent chromium

Authors: J. Baalamurugan; V. Ganesh Kumar; P. Senthilkumar; K. Govindaraju; T. Stalin Dhas

Addresses: Nanoscience & Materials Chemistry Division, Centre for Ocean Research (DST-FIST sponsored centre), Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600 119, Tamil Nadu, India; Department of Chemistry, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600 119, Tamil Nadu, India ' Nanoscience & Materials Chemistry Division, Centre for Ocean Research (DST-FIST sponsored centre), Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600 119, Tamil Nadu, India ' Department of Chemical Engineering, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600 119, Tamil Nadu, India ' Centre for Ocean Research (DST-FIST sponsored centre), Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600 119, Tamil Nadu, India ' Centre for Ocean Research (DST-FIST sponsored centre), Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600 119, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract: Hexavalent chromium is the most toxic form of chromium and causes various environmental impacts. The present study highlights nanocomposite metal oxides in the removal of hexavalent chromium. Especially, the role of iron oxide in the form of hematite (ε-Fe₂O₃) in slag nanocomposite in chromium removal is revealed. Metal oxides of steel slag are sintered at 600°C and the removal of chromium is studied using diphenyl carbazide (C₁₃H₁₄N₄O) method by UV-vis spectrophotometer. Cr (VI) forms pink colour with DPC in acidic condition and is studied at 540 nm. Cr (VI) removal is studied with various factors including initial Cr (VI) solution concentration, metal oxides dosage, contact time and pH. Elemental composition of steel slag nanocomposites (metal oxides) is characterised using EDAX and XRF analysis. Surface morphology of slag nanocomposites has been characterised using SEM analysis. Structural bonding of slag nanocomposites before and after chromium removal is studied using FTIR analysis. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) is emphasised for the total chromium content before and after removal. The results can be developed as a conventional technology in treating chromium removal.

Keywords: nanocomposites; metal oxides; steel slag; hematite; calcination; heavy metal removal; waste water treatment; clean technology.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNT.2021.116164

International Journal of Nanotechnology, 2021 Vol.18 No.5/6/7/8, pp.436 - 448

Published online: 12 Jul 2021 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article