In situ growing of zero-valent aluminium nanoparticles for the concurrent hydrogen production and chromium removal from artificial wastewater

Abstract

The development of novel single-pot technologies to address multiple complications is always challenging in the contemporary world. The current research work intends to assess the hydrogen generation system along with the simultaneous chromium removal. The method of in-situ formation of zero-aluminium (Al(0)) nanoparticles is accomplished in an aqueous medium with the aid of aluminium salt and sodium borohydride. This multifunctional process can completely remove hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) along with concurrent maximum hydrogen generation rate of 550 mL/min at pH 3.0. The experimental analyses are done to scrutinize the effect of parameters such as reactant chemicals dosage, pH conditions, initial Cr(VI) concentration, temperature, presence of organic carbon as phenol, and water matrices on the reduction of Cr(VI) and hydrogen production. The results elucidate that the process can be widely utilized in the range of pH 3.0 – 11.0; the maximum hydrogen yield was improved from 150 to 570 mL/min and the Cr(VI) removal efficiency was improved from 94.8% to 100% by changing the quantity of aluminium salt from 0.1 to 0.6 g per 50 mL of Cr(VI) containing artificial wastewater. Cr(VI) in conjunction with phenol removal studies along with simultaneous hydrogen generation is also explored, featuring this technology as energy positive for the co-removal of pollutants.