RESUMEN
The efficient removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) with high toxicity has attracted widespread concern since it causes serious harm to ecological environment and public health. Herein, we report a novel nitrogen-functionalized graphene aerogel with stereoscopic structure through a simple hydrothermal method and freeze drying for Cr(VI) removal from water. Graphene oxide (GO) and nitrogenous organics polyethyleneimine (PEI) and pyrrole are used as raw materials for preparing PEI/polypyrrole/GO aerogel (PPGA) adsorbent. PEI and pyrrole act as nitrogen sources to introduce nitrogenous functional groups, and also take on the role of cross-linkers for helping GO sheets to form stereoscopic structure. The obtained PPGA has a fast adsorption rate, excellent reusability, and shows a remarkable adsorption capacity for Cr(VI) up to 458.24 mg/g under the optimal conditions (pH 2.0, 298 K, Cr(VI): 600 mg/L, dosage: 0.4 g/L). The adsorption process of Cr(VI) on PPGA can fit the pseudo-second-order kinetic model well. Analysis of intraparticle diffusion shows that the Cr(VI) removal process is a multi-step process. Adsorption thermodynamic and isotherm results demonstrate Cr(VI) adsorption on PPGA is a spontaneous endothermic process. The adsorption mechanism involves electrostatic attraction, redox, and chelation. In general, this work provides a simple and eco-friendly way to prepare PPGA, which has a great potential for actual application of Cr(VI) removal in effluent.