Synthesis of Iron Oxide Based Gelatin Nanocomposites and their Applications in Removal of Cr (VI) Ions from Aqueous Solutions

In the present study, iron oxide based gelatin nanoparticles (FeOGel) have been used as an efficient low cost adsorbent to remove the low concentrations of toxic Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solution. The adsorption experiments were carried out by batch contact method and the effect of the significant process parameters such as initial pH of solution, contact time, adsorbent dose and the initial Cr (VI) concentration were investigated on the metal ion removal capacity. The optimum adsorption of Cr(VI) on the gelatin nanoparticles was observed at an initial pH value of 2-3. The maximum adsorption capacities of FeOGel for Cr(VI) were 120 mg/g at 25°C. The equilibrium sorption data fit satisfactorily to the Langmuir adsorption model. The characterization of the prepared FeOGel was accomplished by FTIR, SEM, TEM, XRD and ζ-potential measurements. The results obtained in this study illustrated that the prepared nanoparticles of iron oxide impregnated gelatin could be an effective and economically viable adsorbents...