Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a common hazardous contaminant in the environment and carcinogenic or mutagenic to aquatic animals and human beings. Therefore, the removal and detoxification of Cr(VI) have been attracting increasing attention of researchers. Among various conducting polymers, polyaniline (PANI)-based adsorbents have shown an excellent performance on the removal of Cr(VI) because of their redox properties, eased synthesis, and favorable biocompatibility. In this review, the characteristics of various PANI-based adsorbents were described, including PANI-modified nanofiber mats and membranes, PANI/bio-adsorbents, PANI/magnetic adsorbents, PANI/carbon adsorbents, PANI-modified clay composites, and PANI-inorganic hybrid composites. The mechanisms for the detoxification and adsorption of Cr(VI) were also discussed. The results indicated the potential applications of PANI-based adsorbents for the removal of Cr(VI). Graphical abstract ᅟ.
Keywords: Adsorbents; Adsorption; Chromium (Cr); Heavy metal ions; Polyaniline (PANI); Removal.