Adsorption of ytterbium (III) from aqueous solution by SQD–85 resin

Adsorption and desorption behavior of Yb (III) by SQD-85 resin was investigated by various chemical methods and IR spectrometry. The adsorption capacity of SQD–85 resin for Yb (III) was studied as a function of solution pH, initial concentration of Yb(III), temperature and contact time. The optimal pH for the adsorption was 5.50 in the HAc-NaAc system, and the maximum adsorption capacity was estimated to be 347.6 mg/g at 308 K. The isotherms adsorption data fit well with Langmuir model. The adsorption kinetics data are in agreement with pseudo-second-order model. Thermodynamic parameters indicate that Yb (III) adsorption by SQD–85 resin is endothermic and spontaneous in nature. Thomas model is reasonably accurate in predicting experimental column results. The dynamic desorption rate of Yb(III) can increase to 97.3% when the elution agent is 1.0 mol/L HCl. These results suggest that Yb(III) in aqueous solution can be removed and recovered by SQD–85 resin efficiently.