Two-Step Hydrothermal Reaction Enhances Removal of Cr(VI) from Wastewater Using Nitrogen-Doped Starch-Based Hydrothermal Carbon

Borui Zhang, Xinyu Wan, Chenghong Li, Kaiyue Ma, Xinyu Wu, Hongxu Liang and Hongxiang Hu ()
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Borui Zhang: College of Resources and Environment, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
Xinyu Wan: College of Resources and Environment, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
Chenghong Li: College of Resources and Environment, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
Kaiyue Ma: College of Resources and Environment, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
Xinyu Wu: College of Resources and Environment, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
Hongxu Liang: College of Resources and Environment, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
Hongxiang Hu: College of Resources and Environment, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 11, 1-14

Abstract: Extracting Cr(VI), a heavy metal known for its carcinogenic properties, from water poses a significant challenge. This research involved synthesizing nitrogen-infused starch-derived hydrothermal carbon (NS-HCS) from starch using a dual-phase hydrothermal method, aimed at removing Cr(VI) from industrial wastewater. N-doping increased the N content from 0.27% to 3.64%, providing active sites for enhanced Cr(VI) adsorption and reduction. Experimental data demonstrated 149.21 mg/g contaminant uptake capacity with 49.74% removal efficiency under specified conditions. Analysis of the kinetic and isotherm models revealed that the adsorption mechanism was characterized primarily by multilayer adsorption. Furthermore, after six cycles of use, NS-HCS demonstrated good reusability, with its Cr(VI) adsorption capacity remaining at approximately 79.05%. Additionally, NS-HCS exhibited strong resistance to interference in complex aqueous environments. This study provides new insights into the use of green and sustainable adsorbents, offering an economical and efficient solution for treating Cr(VI)-contaminated wastewater.

Keywords: starch-based hydrothermal carbon; nitrogen doping; Cr(VI) removal; adsorption performance; regeneration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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