Adsorption of Zirconium Ions by X-Type Zeolite

Abstract

Dependence of zirconium adsorption value on agitation time, solution acidity, equilibrium concentrations of zirconium cations, and zeolite NaX particle size was investigated. The two most common adsorption theories Langmuir and Freundlich, were used to analyzing equilibrium adsorption data. Nonlinear approximation shows that the Freundlich adsorption theory provides higher R2 and lower χ2 for zirconium adsorption by NaX than the Langmuir adsorption theory. Experimental maximum adsorption values of NaX toward zirconium and strontium cations are 75 mg·g-1 and 156 mg·g-1, respectively. The desorption studies of zirconium ions from the surface of NaX by 1% oxalic acid and 10% HNO3 were performed. Degradation of the adsorbent in nitric acid was studied in a batch mode. The recovered suspended particles filter cake was investigated by X-ray fluorescence analysis. Alumina oxide (Al2O3) fraction decreases, and MgO is completely washed out from the adsorbent matrix in concentrated HNO3.