Separation Science and Technology, Vol.46, No.8, 1329-1336, 2011
Extraction and Separation of Zr(IV) From Hydrochloric Acid Solution Using Modified Silica Gel Produced From Waste Solution of Sodium Silicate
A solution of sodium silicate produced as a waste from the alkali fusion of Egyptian Rosetta zircon mineral was used for preparation of a silica gel in the pH range 6-7. The silica gel obtained was modified by phosphonic (PGMS) and sulphonic (SGMS) functionalities. The modification was confirmed by means of FT-IR, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and elemental analysis. The uptake behavior of the modified silicas towards Zr(IV) at different experimental conditions of pH, time, concentration and temperature was studied. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of uptake process were reported. The regeneration of the loaded silicas was also carried out.