Reduction of Hexavalent Chromium Using L-Cysteine Capped Nickel Nanocatalysts

Nazar Hussain Kalwar; Sirajuddin; Syed Tufail Hussain Sherazi; Abdul Rauf Khaskheli; Razium Ali Soomro; Afzal Shah

doi:10.21743/

Authors

Nazar Hussain Kalwar National Centre of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro 76080, Pakistan Author
Sirajuddin National Centre of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro 76080, Pakistan Author
Syed Tufail Hussain Sherazi National Centre of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro 76080, Pakistan Author
Abdul Rauf Khaskheli Department of Pharmacy, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University, Larkana- 77150, Pakistan Author
Razium Ali Soomro National Centre of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro 76080, Pakistan Author
Afzal Shah Department of Chemistry, University of Science & Technology, Bannu, 28100, (KPK), Pakistan Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21743/

Keywords:

Nickel Nanocatalyst; L-Cysteine; Hexavalent Chromium; Reduction

Abstract

The aim of this study was to reduce the highly toxic hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) into less toxic chromium Cr(III) species by using nickel nanoparticles (Ni NPs) as catalysts in order to provide safety to the aqueous environment. In the first phase Ni NPs were synthesized in ethylene glycol and capped with l-cysteine by a modified microwave irradiation method using NaOH as the accelerator. The formed Ni NPs were characterized by various techniques such as UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). In the second phase the formed Ni NPs were immobilized on glass surfaces and employed as catalyst for the reduction of Cr(VI) ions. According to observations, 99% reduction of Cr(VI) ions was achieved in the presence of 0.5 mg of Ni NPs catalyst in just five minutes as compared to nickel powder that showed only 16% reduction in 15 minutes. The study has a great impact on the aqueous pollution control of Cr(VI) especially caused by the discharge of waste water from several industries utilizing Cr(VI) containing salt as one of the essential gradients.