Triethylenetetramine-modified hollow Fe3O4/SiO2/chitosan magnetic nanocomposites for removal of Cr(VI) ions with high adsorption capacity and rapid rate

In our work, the triethylenetetramine-modified hollow Fe3O4/SiO2/chitosan magnetic nanocomposites (Fe3O4/SiO2/CS-TETA) were successfully fabricated by a facile way. Due to hollow and porous nano structure, as well as modification by TETA, the Fe3O4/SiO2/CS-TETA nanocomposites have more and stronger adsorption sites for chromium ions. The adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) ions was as high as 254.6 mg g−1 and the adsorption equilibrium time was within 15 min, which are much superior than most similar adsorbents. In addition, the good magnetic recovery and reuse of the hollow Fe3O4/SiO2/CS-TETA nanocomposites gives them excellent practical application capabilities for removal of Cr(VI) ions from wastewater. Thus, hollow Fe3O4/SiO2/CS-TETA nanocomposites can be used as an ideal adsorbent for the recycle removal of Cr(VI) ions from wastewater.