Adsorption and separation of Cs(I) and Ba(II) from aqueous solution using zinc ferrite-humic acid nanocomposite

Reclaimable adsorbents have an essential role in removing radionuclides from waste streams. Herein, zinc ferrite-humic acid ZFO/HA nanocomposite was synthesized for effective cesium and barium adsorption. The prepared ZFO/HA nanocomposite was analyzed using analytical techniques including XRD, FTIR, EDX, and SEM. From kinetic studies, the mechanism adsorption process follows the second model. The isotherm studies clarified that the Langmuir model fit the adsorption of both ions onto the prepared sample, and the monolayer capacities are equal to 63.33 mg/g and 42.55 mg/g for Ba(II) and Cs(I), respectively. The temperature parameter was also studied, and the adsorption reaction was spontaneous and endothermic. The maximum separation between two ions was achieved at pH 5 (alpha Cs/Ba = 3.3).

Automated summary

Zinc ferrite-humic acid nanocomposite was synthesized and found to effectively adsorb cesium and barium. The nanocomposite was characterized using XRD, FTIR, EDX, and SEM. Kinetic studies showed that the adsorption process followed the second model. Isotherm studies indicated that the Langmuir model described the adsorption of both ions, with monolayer capacities of 63.33 mg/g for Ba(II) and 42.55 mg/g for Cs(I). The temperature parameter showed that the adsorption reaction was spontaneous and endothermic. The maximum separation of the two ions was achieved at pH 5 (alpha Cs/Ba = 3.3).