Adsorption of europium(III) by solvent impregnated kapok fibers containing 2-ethylhexyl phosphonic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester

Abstract

Solvent impregnated kapok fibers are prepared, employing 2-ethylhexyl phosphonic acid mono-2-ethylhexy ester as the extractant, and the adsorption property of Eu(III) are investigated. Kapok fibers possess a higher impregnation ability for the extractant than conventional solvent impregnated resins, such as crosslinked polystyrene and crosslinked polymethacrylic ester, and thus solvent impregnated kapok fibers have a higher adsorption ability for Eu(III). The adsorption of Eu(lll) with solvent impregnated kapok fibers progresses via a Langmuir adsorption mechanism and a high maximum adsorption of 0.685 mmol/g is obtained.