%0 Journal Article
%T Implementing magnetically-active Sn-based nanocomposites in hexavalent chromium removal from drinking water.
%A Asimakidou T
%A Kalaitzidou K
%A Pinakidou F
%A Zhou T
%A Rivera-Gil P
%A Balcells L
%A Mitrakas M
%A Makridis A
%A Katsikini M
%A Vourlias G
%A Chrissafis K
%A Simeonidis K
%J Chemosphere
%V 361
%N 0
%D 2024 Aug 3
%M 38838862
%F 8.943
%R 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142529
%X A novel nanocomposite consisting of Fe3O4-loaded tin oxyhydroxy-chloride is demonstrated as an efficient adsorbent for the removal of hexavalent chromium in compliance to the new drinking water regulation. This study introduces a continuous-flow production of the nanocomposite through the separate synthesis of (i) 40 nm Fe3O4 nanoparticles and (ii) multilayered spherical arrangements of a tin hydroxy-chloride identified as abhurite, before the application of a wet-blending process. The homogeneous distribution of Fe3O4 nanoparticles on the abhurite's morphology, features nanocomposite with magnetic response whereas the 10 % loaded nanocomposite preserves a Cr(VI) uptake capacity of 7.2 mg/g for residual concentrations below 25 μg/L. Kinetic and thermodynamic examination of the uptake evolution indicates a relative rapid Cr(VI) capture dominated by interparticle diffusion and a spontaneous endothermic process mediated by reduction to Cr(III). The efficiency of the optimized nanocomposite was validated in a pilot unit operating in a sequence of a stirring reactor and a rotary magnetic separator showing an alternative and competitive application path than typical fixed-bed filtration, which is supported by the absence of any acute cellular toxicity according to human kidney cell viability tests.