Synthesis of hydrated ferric oxide on cation exchange resin for phosphate and hardness removal in water

Abstract

Abstract In this study, a potential adsorbent was synthesized from iron salt and cation exchange resin (FeOOH@CR) and applied for phosphate adsorption in batch experiments. The characteristics of FeOOH@CR materials before and after phosphate adsorption were determined by FTIR, XRD, and SEM. The factors affecting the adsorption process such as reaction time, solution pH, material dosage, concentration, temperature, and competing ions were tested. Kinetic, thermodynamic and isothermal models of the adsorption process were applied to study the nature of the adsorption process. The properties of phosphate adsorption, effect of competitive ions and material reusability were also examined. Results showed that the adsorption time reached equilibrium after 48 h and the suitable adsorption condition was found at solution pH of 6.5, material dosage of 5 g/L. In addition, the durability of the material after 5 times of regeneration was investigated with the remained adsorption ability of about 55% as compared to the original one.