Preparation, Characterization of Zirconium Phosphate Composites and Their Adsorption Properties of Phenolic Wastewater

In this study, a series of organic amine-intercalated α-ZrP were prepared. The crystal phase, structures and properties of these intercalated compounds were analyzed and characterized using several analysis methods. The interlayer distance of organic amine-intercalated α-ZrP has increased regularly along with the increase of chain elongation of organic amine. The composites were applied to adsorb phenol from wastewater. The adsorption equilibrium, kinetics, and dynamic adsorption of phenol onto intercalated α-ZrP were studied. Adsorption isotherms of phenol were determined at different temperatures, and they were well fitted to the Freundlich equation (R² > 0.99), and the corresponding maximum adsorption capacity of phenol was 0.832 mmol/g. Batch kinetic experiments revealed that the adsorption process followed a quasi-second-order kinetic model. The dynamic adsorption revealed that the adsorption capacity for phenol increased with the increase in temperature. The adsorption process was rapid and equilibrium was reached within 30 min. When the adsorption dosage is 0.1 g/15 mL, the adsorption yield for 10 mmol/L phenol solution can reach 61.2%.