Synthesis of Carboxyl-Rich Biosorbent by UV-Induced Graft Polymerization Method for High Efficiency Adsorption of Ce3+ from Aqueous Solution: Activation and Adsorption Mechanism

Abstract

Developing a cost-effective and highly efficient sorbent for the recovery of rare-earth elements from aqueous solution is still an urgent need. In this study, a novel biosorbent, carboxyl-rich pine bark (CPB), was modified by UV-induced graft polymerization method to increase the carboxyl-containing functional groups and facilitate the adsorption of Ce3+. The grafting process was examined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), indicating that high-density carboxyl functional groups are present on the surface of pine bark and the grafting yield of surface polymer brushes reaches up to 128%. Interestingly, the maximum adsorption capacity of Ce3+ on CPB could reach up to 256.5 mg/g. The adsorption mechanism of Ce3+ by CPB has been determined by the adsorption models and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which can be inferred from these results that the high performance of CPB is attributed to the surface coordination between Ce3+ and hydroxyl or carbonyl groups. This work suggests that engineered surface functional groups of biomass could have an opportunity for the development of high performance rare-earth element adsorbents.