Synthesis and application of LDH intercalated cellulose nanocomposite for separation of rare earth elements (REEs)

Present study deals with the synthesis of Zn/Al Layered double hydroxide (LDH) intercalated cellulose (CL) nanocomposite. The CL-Zn/Al LDH nanocomposite was characterized by XRD, FTIR, BET, TEM and AFM. XRD analysis showed the crystalline nature of LDH nanocomposite. TEM analysis confirmed the formation of a sheet like structure of LDH. The synthesized CL-Zn/Al LDH nanocomposite was found to have a capacity of rapid uptake of Y3+, La3+ and Ce3+. Kinetic experiments revealed that equilibrium was achieved in 10 min for Y3+, La3+ and Ce3+. The kinetic data was well predicted by pseudo second order with higher correlation coefficient (R2) compared to pseudo first order. The adsorption capacities of Y3+, La3+ and Ce3+ was found to be 102.25, 92.51 and 96.25 mg/g, respectively, according to Langmuir model. Analysis of thermodynamic studies for Y3+, La3+ and Ce3+ showed that the process of adsorption is spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The CL-Zn/Al LDH nanocomposite revealed a good reusability up to five cycles. The CL-Zn/Al LDH showed good adsorption and selectivity for Y3+, La3+ and Ce3+ in the presence of other ions. Therefore, CL-Zn/Al LDH nanocomposite has a great potential to be used for the adsorption of Y3+, La3+ and Ce3+.