Polyaniline/cellulose fiber composite prepared using persulfate as oxidant for Cr(VI)-detoxification.

Cellulose fibers were engineered by in situ oxidative polymerization of aniline using ammonium persulfate as oxidant/initiator. The polyaniline/cellulose fiber composite was used for the treatment of Cr(VI)-contaminated water, and its effect was evaluated. Under the conditions studied, the composite exhibited very high water detoxification efficiency, as a result of reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) in combination with adsorption of the Cr(III) onto the cellulosic substrate. Cellulose fibers used in the study served two purposes simultaneously, i.e., carrier of polyaniline and the adsorbent for Cr(III). The complexation of polyaniline with cellulose fibers provided synergistic effects on Cr(VI)-detoxification.