In this study, pectin encapsulated Na-zeolite A particles (P-ZA) was synthesized using the impregnation method and it was used as an adsorbent for adsorption of multicomponent lanthanides ions. The Na-zeolite A (zeolite A) was prepared from natural kaolin by the hydrothermal method, while pectin was isolated from white pith of citrus maxima fruits. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images suggested that P-ZA composite adopts a nest-like shaped surface morphology occupied by zeolite A particles or pectin encapsulated skeleton system of zeolite A particles. The size of P-ZA particles was approximately 125 μm. The highest adsorption capacity of La3+, Ce3+, Nd3+, Sm3+, and Dy3+ on P-ZA composite is 4.81×10‒5 M, 4.65×10‒5 M, 6.19×10‒5 M, 6.04×10‒5 M, and 6.03×10‒5 M, respectively, at the contact time of 60 mins. The lanthanides ions are adsorbed on the P-ZA surfaces through either ion exchange with Na-zeolite A or coordination with the functional groups of pectin, and are further stabilized by their hydrolysis on the P-ZA surfaces. The results suggest that P-ZA composite has the potential to be utilized as an adsorbent for the initial step of separation and purification of lanthanides after leaching from the metallurgical ores.
Add the full text or supplementary notes for the publication here using Markdown formatting.