Rapid Reusable Polyaniline-Nanocellulose System for Enhanced Chromium Removal from Wastewater

What is it about?

The need for fast, eco-friendly, and reusable nanotechnology for water purification is a global priority. In this study, we created polyaniline-impregnated nanocellulose (PANI-NC) composites. These composites effectively remove hexavalent chromium from water and clean industrial wastewater. We used various tools like DLS, SEM, and FTIR to characterize the composites and flame AAS for adsorption studies. The PANI-NC nanocomposites can be used in different forms, such as powder or pebbles, and can be packed in a tea bag or continuous column for easy use. Our PANI-NC system removed 92.59 mg/g (96.5%) of hexavalent chromium from spiked wastewater and achieved 99.6% removal of toxic dyes from textile wastewater within 60 minutes at pH 6. This demonstrates that the PANI-NC nanocomposite is highly effective for cleaning industrial wastewater and has the potential to be a reusable, cost-effective solution for water purification.

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Why is it important?

This research is important because it addresses a critical global need for effective, eco-friendly, and reusable water purification technologies. Hexavalent chromium and toxic dyes are hazardous pollutants found in industrial wastewater, posing severe health and environmental risks. Traditional methods for removing these contaminants are often expensive, inefficient, or unsustainable. The polyaniline-impregnated nanocellulose (PANI-NC) composite offers a rapid, efficient, and cost-effective solution for removing these pollutants. By achieving high removal rates in a short time and being adaptable to different forms of application, this technology can significantly improve water quality, protect public health, and promote environmental sustainability.

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