Comparison study of ruthenium sorption on Fe3O4 and Fe3O4@MnO2 in hydrochloric and nitric acids

Adsorption of ruthenium (III) from acidic aqueous solution by Fe3O4 and Fe3O4@MnO2 composites was studied by a batch equilibrium method at room temperature. Mass distribution coefficients of Ru(III) were determined in the system of Fe3O4 and Fe3O4@MnO2 in solutions of HCl and HNO3 (concentration range from 0.01 to 0.5 mol L-1). The selectivity of ruthenium sorption in the developed systems was checked with the use of other elements. Recovery of ruthenium ions after separation process with Fe3O4@MnO2 from tap water samples was examined. The ruthenium adsorbed on the Fe3O4@MnO2 surface could be readily separated from diluted acid solutions by an external magnetic field. Results suggest that Fe3O4@MnO2 can be a new, promising sorbent for efficient removal of ruthenium from aqueous solutions.

Automated summary

The study found that Fe3O4@MnO2 composites can efficiently remove ruthenium ions from acidic aqueous solutions at room temperature, showing good selectivity and easy separation and recovery with an external magnetic field. Results suggest that Fe3O4@MnO2 can be a new, promising sorbent for efficient removal of ruthenium from aqueous solutions.