Eu(III) removal by tetrabutylammonium di-hydrogen phosphate (TBAH2P) functionalized polymers

Polymers involved as adsorbent materials during Eu(III) removal tests were prepared by functionalization of a natural polymer – cellulose, and a commercial one represented by Amberlite XAD7. As extractant, we used tetrabutil ammonium di-hydrogen phosphate (TBAH2P) which is a cheap and environmentally friendly product. Impregnated polymers using a rotavapor system in which the quaternary ammonium salt used as extractant was concentrated on to the used polymer. Later obtained materials were characterized by Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-Ray electron dispersion (EDX). During experimental test we determine pH, contact time, Eu(III) initial concentration and temperature effect on the functionalized polymers adsorption capacity. Therewith for both functionalized polymers, a comparison was made between the adsorption process characteristics based on kinetics and thermodynamic studies. Keywords: Europium, Cellulose, Amberlite XAD7, Adsorption, Adsorption isotherm