Coconut power: a sustainable approach for the removal of Cr ions using a new coconut-based polyurethane foam/activated carbon composite in a fixed-bed column.

To attain efficient removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr) from aqueous solutions, a novel polyurethane foam-activated carbon (PUAC) adsorbent composite was developed. The composite material was synthesized by the binding of coconut shell-based activated carbon (AC) onto a coconut oil-based polyurethane matrix. To thoroughly characterize the physicochemical properties of the newly developed material, various analytical techniques including FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, XRD, BET, and TGA analyses were conducted. The removal efficiency of the PUAC composite in removing Cr ions from aqueous solutions was evaluated through column experiments with the highest adsorption capacity of 28.41 mg g while taking into account variables such as bed height, flow rate, initial Cr ion concentration, and pH. Experimental data were fitted using Thomas, Yoon-Nelson, and Adams-Bohart models to predict the column profiles and the results demonstrate high breakthrough and exhaustion time dependence on these variables. Among the obtained values of the models, a better fit was observed using the Thomas and Yoon-Nelson models, indicating their ability to effectively predict the adsorption of Cr ions in a fixed bed column. Significantly, the exhausted adsorbent can be conveniently regenerated without any noteworthy loss of adsorption capability. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that this new PUAC composite material holds significant promise as a potent sorbent for wastewater treatment backed by its excellent performance, cost-effectiveness, biodegradability, and outstanding reusability.