Cellulose engineering for eco-efficient Cr(VI) adsorption: Experimental and mathematical optimization
Manoj Bansinge1, Vaishnavi Gomase2, Pradip Tekade1
1Department of Chemistry, Bajaj College of Science, Wardha, 442001, India.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|January 8, 2026
Summary
A new green method uses cellulose crosslinked with citric acid and immobilized Aliquat-336 to create CECAAL for hexavalent chromium removal. This sustainable adsorbent shows high efficiency and reusability for industrial wastewater treatment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Green Chemistry
Background:
- Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) poses significant environmental and health risks.
- Conventional methods for Cr(VI) removal often involve harsh chemicals and high energy consumption.
- Developing sustainable and efficient adsorbents is crucial for effective wastewater treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, solvent-free adsorbent for hexavalent chromium removal from aqueous solutions.
- To optimize the adsorption process using response surface methodology.
- To evaluate the green chemistry metrics and long-term reusability of the developed adsorbent.
Main Methods:
- Cellulose was crosslinked with citric acid and modified with microwave-assisted Aliquat-336 immobilization to create the CECAAL adsorbent.
- Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) were used for characterization.
- Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize adsorption parameters.
- Adsorption kinetics, thermodynamics, and regeneration cycles were investigated.
Main Results:
- The CECAAL adsorbent achieved a maximum Cr(VI) removal capacity of 74.04 mg g⁻¹ at pH 3.0, 100 mg adsorbent dosage, and 60 min contact time.
- Adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics, indicating chemisorption.
- Thermodynamic studies revealed spontaneous and exothermic adsorption.
- Green chemistry evaluation showed an E-factor of 0.12, 89% atom economy, and significant reductions in energy demand and carbon footprint.
- The adsorbent maintained consistent performance over 10 regeneration cycles.
Conclusions:
- The developed CECAAL adsorbent offers a highly efficient and sustainable solution for hexavalent chromium removal.
- The solvent-free, microwave-assisted synthesis aligns with green chemistry principles.
- CECAAL demonstrates excellent reusability and potential for industrial wastewater treatment applications.
