Enhanced removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution by stabilized nanoscale zero valent iron and copper bimetal intercalated montmorillonite.

Batch experiments were conducted to study the Cr(VI) removal by nanoscale zero valent iron and copper intercalated montmorillonite (MMT-nFe/Cu) nanocomposite. MMT-nFe/Cu was characterized using SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, N adsorption-desorption isotherms and XPS. The results demonstrated that highly dispersed nanoscale Fe/Cu (nFe/Cu) were successfully introduced into the montmorillonite (MMT) layers. In the reaction process, the combination of Cu and Fe acted as a galvanic cell, and electrocorrosion not only speeded up the reaction rate, but also increased reduction activity of nFe. MMT-nFe/Cu as an excellent carrier had good functions in dispersing nFe and Cu particles, pH buffering and could keep nFe and Cu particles from being released. Besides, no iron ions and very low concentrations of copper ions released in the reaction system, which greatly avoided the influence of secondary environmental pollution.