Use of Na-modified clinoptilolite for the removal of terbium ions from aqueous solution

Chem. Met. Alloys 5 (2012) 136-141

https://doi.org/10.30970/cma5.0217

O. VYVIURSKA, V. VASYLECHKO, G. GRYSHCHOUK, Ya. KALYCHAK, V. ZAKORDONSKIY

In this study, Na-modified Transcarpathian clinoptilolite was used for preconcentration of trace amounts of terbium(III) ions from aqueous solutions. The sorbent was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis. The influence of the preliminary thermal treatment on the sorption activity of Na-modified clinoptilolite was thoroughly investigated. In addition, it was found that such characteristics of the solution as the terbium concentration, acidity, and ion strength have an effect on the sorption capacity of the zeolite in dynamic conditions. The optimum pH range of the solution was found to be 8.8-9.0. A preliminary thermal treatment of Na-clinoptilolite in the temperature range 475-700°C increased the sorption capacity of the sorbent. 7M nitric acid, 6M hydrochloric acid, and 1M NaCl solutions were identified as effective desorbents of terbium(III) ions from Na-clinoptilolite. Furthermore, the influence of the most common ions on the uptake capacity of the sorbent was evaluated.

Dependence of the sorption capacity of Na-modified clinoptilolite towards terbium(III) on thermal treatment

Keywords

Terbium / Na-clinoptilolite / Sorption / Solid-phase extraction