Chitosan-based composite featuring dual cross-linking networks for the removal of aqueous Cr(VI)

To avoid the environmental detriment caused by Cr(VI) waste, this study constructs a dual cross-linking network structure using sodium alginate (SA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Chitosan (CS) is further introduced through electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding and SA/PVA/CS (SPC) composite with porous structure is successfully prepared for the removal of Cr(VI) from wastewater. Batch adsorption experiments show that SPC has excellent adsorption capacity and practical usability with a broad pH applicability range. Under optimal adsorption conditions (pH = 2, t = 150 min, T = 35 °C, m/V = 2 g/L, C₀ = 10 mg/L), the Cr(VI) removal rate of SPC achieves 89.2 %. Adsorption kinetics and isotherm models indicate that the adsorption process is primarily multi-layer and chemical adsorption. Additionally, FT-IR and XPS reveal that the adsorption mechanism of SPC for Cr(VI) involves a synergy of electrostatic attraction, reduction, ion exchange and complexation. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations also confirm the dominant role of CS in the Cr(VI) adsorption. In summary, SPC shows great potential for Cr(VI) wastewater treatment.