Effective removal of chromium (VI) via modified maghemite nanoparticles: role of surfactant structure

Belabed, Kharfia; Naous, Mohamed; Djeffale, Imane; Halfadji, Ahmed; Bounaceur, Boumediene

doi:10.47176/ijpr.25.3.12007

Effective removal of chromium (VI) via modified maghemite nanoparticles: role of surfactant structure

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Kharfia Belabed ¹

Mohamed Naous ¹

Imane Djeffale ²

Ahmed Halfadji ³

Boumediene Bounaceur ⁴

¹ 1Department of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences Ibn Khaldoun University, Tiaret, 14000, Algeria 2Macromolecular Physicochemical Laboratory, University of Oran1 Ahmed Ben Bella, Oran, Algeria

² 1Department of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences Ibn Khaldoun University, Tiaret, 14000, Algeria

³ 1Department of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences Ibn Khaldoun University, Tiaret, 14000, Algeria 2Synthesis and Catalysis Laboratory, Ibn Khaldoun University of Tiaret,Tiaret, 14000, Algeria.

⁴ Macromolecular Physicochemical Laboratory, University of Oran1 Ahmed Ben Bella, Oran, Algeria

https://doi.org/10.47176/ijpr.25.3.12007

Abstract

This study investigates the use of maghemite nanoparticles (MNPs) for the effective removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from wastewater. To improve the adhesion properties of MNPs, alkyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CnTAB) surfactants were incorporated into the nanoparticles. The modified nanoparticles, referred to as MNPs@CnTAB or γ-Fe₂O₃@CnTAB, were characterized using FTIR, TEM, and XRD techniques. To assess theimpact of various parameters on chromium removal, batch experiments were statistically designed, focusing on solution pH, initial Cr(VI) concentration, added salt, adsorbent dosage, and CnTAB chain length. Results showed that both longer surfactant chains and higher adsorbent dosages enhanced removal efficiency. Under optimized conditions—including specific pH, adsorbent dosage, and an initial Cr(VI) concentration of 1 mg/L—a removal efficiency of up to 96% was achieved. These findings demonstrate that MNPs@CnTAB nanomaterials are a promising, environmentally friendly option for the treatment of chromium-contaminated water. This approach supports the development of advanced materials for sustainable water purification and highlights the influence of surfactant structure on nanoparticle performance.

Keywords

Chromium removal

maghemite nanoparticles

CnTAB

FTIR

XRD

Subjects

Nanomaterials

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