Efficient Enrichment of Eu3+, Tb3+, La3+ and Sm3+ on a Double Core Shell Nano Composite Based Silica

Abstract

This study focused on the synthesis optimization and characterization of hybrid ion exchangers of graphene oxide/chitosan/zirconiumphosphate/silicate (GO/CS/ZrP/Si) nano-composite. Different characterization techniques as IR, XRD, TG–DTA, SEM, TEM, EDX and surface area have been employed to elucidate the structure of the prepared material. The characterization showed that GO/CS/ZrP/Si particles are spherical double core shell in shape and have a unique size of about 25–60 nm in diameter in mesoporous range. The adsorbed dose, chemical and radiation stability have been investigated. The optimum adsorbent dose was determined to be 0.1 g. GO/CS/ZrP/Si nanocomposite showed bi-function behaviors with good chemical, thermal and radiation stability. The adsorption ability and capacity of GO/CS/ZrP/Si nanocomposite were evaluated with batch technique using a series of metal ions like Cs+, Co2+, Sm3+, La3+, Tb3+ and Eu3+. The selectivity order was found that; Sm3+ > La3+ > Eu3+ > Tb3+ ⋙Co2+ > Cs+. The effect of pH and distribution coefficient was investigated at different reaction temperatures for the studying ions on GO/CS/ZrP/Si. The effect of competitive ions on the adsorption of Eu3+ on GO/CS/ZrP/Si was studied. The anti-bacterial activity of ZrP/Si and GO/CS/ZrP/Si against E.coli and Staphylococcus were determined with disk diffusion method. The nano composite GO/CS/ZrP/Si was found good antimicrobial behavior.