The use of Sn(II) oxy-hydroxides for the effective removal of Cr(VI) from water: Optimization of synthesis parameters

Abstract

The development of a novel adsorbent based on Sn(II) oxy-hydroxide nanoparticles and the optimization of main synthesis parameters was examined for the efficient removal of hexavalent chromium at low residual concentration levels. The aqueous hydrolysis of Sn(II) salts in a continuous-flow process was evaluated as an effective method to synthesize an appropriate material able to operate both as an electron donor for Cr(VI) reduction, and provide a suitable crystal structure that favors strong complexation with the formed Cr(III) species. Experimental results revealed that the main hydrolysis parameters, such as pH value and tin origin/source, can be used to determine the chemical formula of the produced materials and thereby, eventually improve their uptake capacity for Cr(VI). Among the tested sorbent materials, the synthetic nanostructured hydroromarchite, Sn6O4(OH)4, prepared by the hydrolysis of SnCl2 in a highly acidic environment (pH 2), was deemed the best sorbent material and it was further investigated for its Cr(VI) uptake performance under reliable conditions (column experiments) for drinking water treatment. Specifically, Rapid Small-Scale (laboratory) Column Tests indicated that aggregates of the Sn6O4(OH)4 nanomaterial can achieve a maximum uptake capacity of around 19 mg/g, keeping the levels of outflow Cr(VI) below 10 μg/L during the treatment of natural-like water at pH 7. The high efficiency is mainly attributed to the stabilization of Sn(II) content in nanoparticles, as well as the improved surface charge density, reaching 1.0 mmol [OH−]/g, whereas the obtained thermodynamic data indicate a combined reduction-sorption process. The latter aspect was further verified by XPS, showing that even in the highly-loaded sorbent materials with adsorbed chromium, its trivalent form is the predominant one. These specific characteristics suggest that the product is a more favorable candidate for wider applications in water treatment units, regarding Cr(VI) removal, compared to other examined sorbent materials.