Two-dimensional MXene and molybdenum disulphide for the removal of hexavalent chromium from water : a comparative study

Abstract

Chromium is a carcinogenic heavy metal that accumulates in plant and animal bodies. New materials for efficient removal of chromium from water bodies are in high demand. MXene was synthesized from MAX phase by using ammonium fluoride as an etching agent while molybdenum disulphide was synthesized by hydrothermal method. The pseudo-second order kinetic model described the adsorption of hexavalent chromium on MXene and molybdenum disulphide whereas the Freundlich Isotherm model best fitted for Mxene, and Langmuir Isotherm model was more suitable in case of molybdenum disulphide. The adsorption capacity obtained by MXene for hexavalent chromium was 59.8 mg/g (At Dosage = 1 g/L, T = 298 K, Time = 9 h, pH = 2, Co = 30 mg/L) and 113.7 mg/g in case of molybdenum disulphide (At Dosage = 0.5 g/L, T = 298 K, Time = 1.5 h, pH = 2, Co = 30 mg/L). Thermodynamic investigations showed that the process was endothermic and spontaneous. The coexisting ions showed a decrease in removal percentage up to 70 % and 79 % in case of MXene and molybdenum disulphide, respectively, after fifth cycle. It can be inferred that these developed materials have the advantages of simplicity for reducing heavy metal pollution. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]