Scalable fabrication of graphene-basalt composite fabric via Layer-by-Layer deposition for efficient treatment of Cr(VI) − contaminated water

The contamination of water with hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) poses a significant environmental and health threat. Basalt fiber (BF) is a high-strength, high-temperature-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and eco-friendly inorganic fiber material that shows promise for addressing such contamination. However, a key challenge lies in how to effectively modify its surface functionality and enhance the overall performance of fiber composites to improve adsorption efficiency, especially in large-scale applications. In this study, we present a scalable fabrication method for graphene-basal composite material using a layer-by-layer deposition technique. This process enables the mass production of highly efficient Cr(VI) adsorbents. It exhibited a Cr(VI) removal rate of up to 97.9 % within 2 h, making it a promising candidate for efficient Cr(VI) adsorption. The composite material, integrating the high surface area of graphene with the mechanical strength and chemical stability of basalt, exhibits superior adsorption capacity and reusability in removing Cr(VI) from contaminated water. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicated that the synergistic interaction between GO and BF enhanced both the physical and chemical adsorption of Cr(VI), facilitating its removal. Batch experiments demonstrate that the composite achieves rapid and efficient Cr(VI) removal across a wide range of pH levels and initial concentrations. The simple and scalable fabrication process highlights the potential for practical applications in large-scale water treatment. Furthermore, this study provides insight into the mechanisms underlying the adsorption process, offering a sustainable, rapid, and cost-effective solution to heavy metal pollution in environmental water bodies.