Cladophora cellulose-polyaniline composite for remediation of toxic chromium (VI)

• Main Authors: Camacho, Drexel H., Gerongay, Stephanie Pvae C., Macalinao, Jhon Philemon C.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2013
• Subjects: Composite materials; Chromium; Polyanilines; Chemistry
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/2674
• Institution: De La Salle University

This paper describes the fabrication of a composite material consisting of Cladophora cellulose and polyaniline (PANI). Cellulose extracted from environmentally polluting green algae Cladophora rupestris was used as a matrix and conducting polyaniline coating was applied on its surface. The characterization of the composite revealed the presence of a nano-layer of PANI coating on the cellulose fibers, thus preserving the high surface area of the cellulose. The cellulose/PANI composite was used effectively as a reducing agent in the remediation of toxic hexavalent chromium. The efficiency of the reduction activity of metals can be attributed to the high surface area of the cellulose/PANI composite. This study provides alternative ways to solve an environmental issue and maximize the use readily available resources.