From adsorption of rare earth elements on TiO2 nanotubes to preconcentration column application

Abstract Selective adsorption of La, Ce, Y and Nd rare earth elements (REEs) from aqueous solution was performed using TiO 2 nanotubes. Kinetic study reveals that REEs adsorption on TiO 2 nanotubes is highly enhanced at pH 5 (acetate buffer). From thermodynamic study, REEs adsorption heats, are atomic radius depending; which opens a new route for the selective separation. Therefore, an engineered packed column with TiO 2 nanotubes was used under continuous flow for REEs extraction. The experimental parameters keys such as pH, sample flow rate, volume and type of elution solution are highlighted. Our method yields excellent recovery of REEs, as the column can be regenerated up to 20 cycles.