Novel Preparation of Two Oxidized Starch Formulations for Removal of Cr (VI) Ions From an Aqueous Solution

Abstract Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) has attracted much attention because it is a harmful pollutant. In this study, acid hydrolyzed hydrothermal double modified starch (AHS) and hydroperoxide oxidized starch (HOS) are prepared from natural starch and used for the reduction of chromium (VI) in aqueous systems. The effects of hydrothermal acidolysis and oxidative modification of starch on the reduction rate of Cr(VI) are discussed, including the changes of solubility, swelling power, particle size, content of straight‐chain starch, and carbonyl/carboxylic group content. The results of response surface methodology (RSM) optimization show that the influence of reaction conditions on the reduction rate of Cr(VI) by NS is as follows: reaction time > initial pH of solution > reaction temperature > starch to Cr(VI) mass ratio; and on the reduction rate of Cr(VI) by AHS and HOS is as follows: initial pH of solution > reaction time > starch to Cr(VI) mass ratio > reaction temperature.