Magnetic Aerogels Based on Reduced Graphite Oxide—Sorbents of the Carcinogenic Compound K2Cr2O7

Abstract

The dependence of the degree of sorption of potassium dichromate by aerogels based on reduced graphite oxide and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles of the rGO⋅Fe₃O₄ composition on the mass of the sorbent, acidity, and temperature of the medium is studied. It is shown that in order to increase the degree of potassium dichromate sorption by the rGO⋅Fe₃O₄ magnetic aerogel, the process is best carried out at room temperature in media with low pH value lower than 5. The results obtained make it possible to propose aerogels rGO⋅Fe₃O₄ as environmentally friendly sorbents for water purification from the carcinogenic substance of potassium dichromate. The proposed materials after completion of the sorption process can be completely removed from the reaction medium using an external magnetic field, thereby preventing them from acting as pollutants. It is important to note that the described 3D structures based on GO and nanoparticles of superparamagnetic iron oxide Fe₃O₄ are of practical importance for the treatment of wastewater from enterprises using an oxidative method for removing phenols, cresols, and cyan-containing substances from impurities using potassium dichromate and sulfuric acid.