Selective sorption of zirconium ions from acidic medium onto modified clay based on activated carbon

This work used the batch method to study the selective sorption of zirconium ions from acidic solutions by activated carbon clay modified with nickel (ACCN) sorbent. The precipitation technique was used to prepare the ACCN sorbent. Different analytical tools were used, including XRD, FT-IR, SEM, EDX, TGA, and DTA analysis. The influence of parameters like hydrogen ion concentration, shaking time, initial Zr(IV) concentrations, and desorption on the uptake process was also performed. The kinetic data obey pseudo-second-order. Two isotherm models analyzed equilibrium data. Different concentrations of HCl were used to desorb Zr(IV) ions from loaded ACCN sorbent. Finally, the excellent recycling data reveal the applicability of the fabricated sorbent to be used as an effective material for retaining Zr(IV) from an acidic medium. They can be used as a promising sorbent.