Kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamic aspects of removal of fluoride from drinking water using meso-structured zirconium phosphate

This study describes the development of meso-structured zirconium phosphate (MZrP) for removal of fluoride from drinking water. The synthesized material was characterized and kinetics of fluoride removal from aqueous solution was studied by batch mode. The influences of pH of solution, initial fluoride concentration, material quantity, and temperature on the kinetic of fluoride removal have been tested in detail. The results of four kinetic models fitted to the experimental data show that the pseudo-second order model gave a better description for the uptake process. Thermodynamic parameters such as enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS) factors were evaluated to be 44.79 kJ mol−1 and 0.223 kJ mol−1 K−1, respectively. The value of ΔG was found to be negative indicating feasibility and spontaneity of adsorption. MZrP can be regenerated for further use which was tested up to five cycles of operation.

► This study describes the development of meso-structured zirconium phosphate (MZrP) for removal of fluoride from drinking water.
► The synthesized material was characterized and kinetics of fluoride removal from aqueous solution was studied by batch mode with variation of solution parameters.
► MZrP can be used as an effective adsorbent material under competitive ion-environment.
► MZrP can be regenerated and effectively used for a number of cycles highlighted its sustainability for potential commercial applications.