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Microwave-Assisted Modification of Corncob with Trimethylammonium Chloride for Efficient Removal of Cr(VI): Preparation, Characterization, and Mechanism

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Abstract

A novel aminated adsorption material, 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (CTA)-modified corncob (CTAMC), was successfully synthesized by microwave irradiation assisting method for Cr(VI) removal from aqueous solutions. The preparation conditions and physicochemical properties of CTAMC and the Cr(VI) removal mechanism were investigated. Results showed that the optimal preparation conditions were 1.0 g of corncob treated with 55 g/L sodium hydroxide for 80 min, 30% CTA, and 480 W of microwave power treatment for 5.0 min. These conditions resulted in the yield of CTAMC of approximately 60%, and the sodium hydroxide concentration exhibited great influence on the yield. The Cr(VI) adsorption capacity of CTAMC reached 38 mg/g, which was 9 times higher than that of the raw corncob. Results from the field-emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy characterization showed that the surface structure of CTAMC was rougher than that of raw corncob; the fiber structure was more apparent, and the content of N and Cl elements were significantly increased, which indicated that CTA was successfully grafted on the surface of corncob. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis demonstrated that the quaternary amino group (–NH–), hydroxyl (C–OH), and chloride ion (Cl−) were primarily involved in the Cr(VI) removal process, revealing that Cr(VI) was removed by both adsorption and reduction. This study provides an alternative for the removal of Cr(VI) and further broadens the utilization of agricultural waste.

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Funding

This research was financially supported by the National Major Science and Technology Program for Water Pollution Control and Treatment of China (2015ZX07205-003) and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (No FRF-TP-18-073A1).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China

    Yinhai He, Hai Lin & Yingbo Dong

  2. Beijing Key Laboratory on Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, Beijing, 100083, China

    Yinhai He, Hai Lin & Yingbo Dong

  3. Beijing Synling Water Technology Co., Ltd, Beijing, 100085, China

    Shaoke Han

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  1. Yinhai He
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  2. Shaoke Han
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  3. Hai Lin
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  4. Yingbo Dong
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Correspondence to Hai Lin.

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He, Y., Han, S., Lin, H. et al. Microwave-Assisted Modification of Corncob with Trimethylammonium Chloride for Efficient Removal of Cr(VI): Preparation, Characterization, and Mechanism. Water Air Soil Pollut 231, 137 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-020-04500-6

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