The synthesis of hierarchical ZnFe2O4 architecture and their application for Cr(VI) adsorption removal from aqueous solution

Abstract The bowknot-like ZnFe 2 O 4 superstructures have been synthesized by the decomposition of the zinc ferrioxalate microstructures, which are prepared by facile method at room temperature. The obtained products are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), and nitrogen sorption measurements. The adsorption performances of bowknot-like ZnFe 2 O 4 superstructures are tested with the removal of typical pollutants of Cr(VI) from simulated wastewater. The results show that the as-prepared bowknot-like ZnFe 2 O 4 superstructures can effectively remove Cr(VI) from the wastewater. Kinetics of the Cr(VI) removal is found to follow pseudosecond-order rate equation. The adsorption isotherms of bowknot-like ZnFe 2 O 4 superstructures can be described very well by the Langmuir equation. Therefore, the as-obtained bowknot-like ZnFe 2 O 4 superstructures are promising absorbents for wastewater treatment.