Efficient removal of hexavalent chromium by nano-cerium-based adsorbent: The critical role of valence state and oxygen vacancy

Cerium-based adsorbents have been gradually used for the adsorption removal of highly toxic Cr(VI) from wastewater due to their low toxicity and wide working pH. However, the intrinsic properties of adsorbents contribute significantly to their adsorption performance, and the relationship between them needs to be clarified. Herein, series of nano-cerium based adsorbents (Ce@Cs) with different surface defects and Ce(III) content were prepared to explore their effects on the Cr(VI) adsorption capacity. Results showed that the optimal Ce@C performed well over a wide pH range of 2.0–12.0, and the calculated Cr(VI) adsorption capacity reached 302.43 mg/g at 45 ℃. Ce(III) and surface defects in cerium-based adsorbents exhibited an important influence on the Cr(VI) adsorption performance of Ce@Cs, and their contents showed a good positive correlation with the Cr adsorption capacity (R 2 =0.988 and 0.827). A series of evidences confirmed that the generated Ce(III) and oxygen vacancies could provide more sufficient coordination number to promote Cr(VI) complexation with Ce@Cs and lower the impedance of Ce@Cs to improve the reduction of Cr(VI) to low-toxic Cr(III). This work provides new insights into the Cr(VI) adsorption using cerium-based adsorbents, which helps to improve their potential in the purification of Cr(VI)-containing wastewater.