Removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution using ostrich feathers amended by polyaniline

In this study, the removal of hexavalent chromium from the aqueous solution using birds' feathers amended by polyaniline is investigated. Firstly, various bird feathers and polyaniline composites are synthesized and used in batch experiments to separate hexavalent chromium. Results show optimal performance of polyaniline and bird feathers composite in chromium removal. Among the bird's feather and polyaniline composites, the polyaniline/ostrich feathers/polyethylene glycol composite has the most optimal performance with a removal percentage of about four times more than that of activated carbon (87.36 %), at pH = 6 and the contact time of about 30 min. Analysis of cavities size as well as analysis of BET specific surface shows that specific surface area of polyaniline/ostrich feathers/polyethylene glycol composite with 36.22 m2/g is higher than other composites. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images taken from the surface of the composites show better and more uniform coverage of polyaniline on the ostrich feather in the polyaniline/ostrich feather/polyethylene glycol composite. The XRD analysis and FTIR analysis confirm the synthesis of aniline on the resulted composite and it is declared that the structure of the achieved composite is amorphous.