Effect of Different Cations on the Adsorption of Dy3+, Gd3+, Eu3+ and Sm3+ Ions on Activated Charcoal from Aqueous Solutions

Abstract

The effect of different cations on the adsorption of Dy3+, Gd3+, Eu3+ and Sm3+ ions on activated charcoal from aqueous solutions (pH = 4.0) has been studied at room temperature (295 ± 1 K). Their effect on the adsorption of the metal ions has been correlated with the charge density (Z/r) of the cations. It was observed that cations with a larger Z/r value reduced the adsorption of metal ions more than cations with smaller Z/r values. It was also observed that the ease of adsorption of the metal ions followed the sequence: Dy3+ > Gd3+ > Eu3+ > Sm3+. Such data are important in relation to the recovery of metal ions from solution.