Preparation, characterization, and Ce(III) adsorption performance of poly (allylamine)/silica composite

AbstractIn the present work, an organic–inorganic hybrid composite (poly(allylamine)/silica) was facilely prepared through grafting poly(allylamine) onto the modified silica. Surface property, morphology, and texture parameters of the composite were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy, and N2 adsorption/desorption measurements, respectively. Then, the adsorptive property of this composite for recovery of Ce(III) was investigated systematically. Batch tests were performed under a range of conditions to examine the effects of contact time, adsorbent amount, initial Ce(III) concentration, and solution pH. At optimal experimental conditions, the maximum adsorption capacity of Ce(III) was up to 111.8 mg g−1. Full kinetic and thermodynamic investigations as well as isotherm analysis were also undertaken. It was found that the adsorption kinetics could be well fitted by the pseudo-second-order model, whereas the Freundlich model provided the better description for the equi...