Removal of La(III) ions from aqueous solution by Lanthanide MOF; characterization, synthesizing and process conditions study

Providing fresh water resources for humans is highly attended in regard to environmental and human health protection. Lanthanum (La), as one of the common water contaminations, has been eliminated using various methods. However, its removal from water is very challenging due to its low concentration in the aquatic environment. In this study, microporous Ce-BTC MOF has been employed for puissant removal of La ions under multiple synthesizing and experimental conditions. The as-synthesized Ce-BTC MOF was characterized by the assist of FTIR, XRD, SEM, and TGA characterization analyses. It has been deduced that reactor volume, type of surfactant, filtration solvent, and degassing temperature have a significant role on the pore structure of final prepared Ce-BTC MOF. The adsorption process was examined for adsorption time, adsorbent dose, initial concentrations, and temperatures. For prediction of the process behavior, different models were used to describe isotherm and mechanism of the adsorption process. Fabricated MOF removed more than 75% of La ions in 60 min on adsorbent loading of 2 mg/L. Accordingly, it is expected for this synthesized adsorbent to have promising potential for removal of La ions at optimum conditions.