A fast and efficient method for the removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions

In this study, removal of chromium (VI) from aqueous solution by as-synthesized MCM-48 adsorbent was studied. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was used as a cationic template for the synthesis of MCM-48. The extent of adsorption was investigated as a function of solution pH, agitation speed, contact time, adsorbent and adsorbate concentrations, reaction temperature and supporting electrolyte (sodium chloride). Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were used to model the adsorption equilibrium data. The adsorption of Cr (VI) is found to be maximum at pH values in the range of 1–3. The yielded maximum adsorption capacity of 153.8 mg/g at initial concentration of 800 (mg/L) is well predicted by of the Langmuir isotherm. Compared to the various adsorbents reported in the literature, the surfactant-containing material prepared in this study showed promise for practical applications.