Pyrrole (Py) is easily agglomerated
during the polymerization process,
affecting its performance. In this paper, polypyrrole/monodispersed
latex sphere (PPy/MLS) composites were prepared using in-situ polymerization
for the adsorption of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). The specific surface
area of PPy/MLS (39.30 m2/g) was increased relative to
that of PPy (24.82 m2/g), thus providing more effective
adsorption sites. In addition, the adsorption properties of Cr(VI)
under different conditions, including Py content, pH of the aqueous
solution, and PPy/MLS dosage, were investigated to reveal the adsorption
mechanism. The results showed that PPy/MLS possessed high Cr(VI) adsorption
capacities when the Py content was 50 wt %. The maximum adsorption
capacity was 343.64 mg/g at pH 2.0 and 25 °C. Remarkably, the
adsorbents exhibited an excellent removal rate of Cr(VI) after three
cycles of adsorption–desorption (over 99%), suggesting that
the adsorbents had exceptional recyclability. Furthermore, the adsorption
process followed quasi-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isothermal
adsorption model. The high adsorption performance, sustainability,
and cost-efficiency make this adsorbent a promising candidate for
large-scale Cr(VI) contaminant removal.