Phosphate recovery from aqueous phase using novel zirconium-based adsorbent

This study aims to document the phosphate ion (PO43−) adsorption capacity of a novel zirconium-based adsorbent. The physicochemical properties of the adsorbent are investigated using an array of methods and metrics such as electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, specific surface area, pore volume, pH point of zero charge (pHpzc), and surface hydroxyl groups. The batch method is used to elucidate PO43− adsorption capacity. Results suggested that the adsorption of PO43− was based on an internal diffusion and a monolayer adsorption. We also clarified that the pH of the solution significantly impacted the adsorption. Moreover, the adsorbent shows the ability to not only adsorb but also desorb PO43− for at least five cycles, based on an adsorption mechanism that we document. These findings indicate that this adsorbent could serve as a major industrial PO43− adsorbent.