Preparation of a Lignin/Polyaniline Composite and Its Application in Cr(VI) Removal from Aqueous Solutions

Lignin/polyaniline composites were prepared by adding kraft lignin for the synthesis of polyaniline (PANI), a typical conductive polymer. The composites were utilized as an adsorbent for the removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). When lignin alone was used as an adsorbent, the removal efficiency of Cr was low. However, when the lignin/PANI composite was used, lignin and PANI adsorbed Cr(III) together. The PANI reduced Cr(VI), which resulted in the efficient removal of Cr. In addition, as the dosage of the lignin/PANI composite decreased as an adsorbent, the Cr removal efficiency of the composite decreased considerably compared with pure PANI. However, the composite with a lignin-to-PANI ratio of 1:1 showed a Cr removal efficiency similar to that of pure PANI. The morphology of the lignin/PANI composite was observed to synthesize PANI around the lignin surface. Both Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses showed that an interaction between the carbonyl groups of lignin and the amine groups of PANI occurred. This study is expected to provide an opportunity to increase the utilization of lignin in the field of environmental science and provide several benefits.