Evaluation of D113 cation exchange resin for the removal of Eu(Ⅲ) from aqueous solution

Batch adsorption experiments were conducted for the adsorption of Eu(Ⅲ) ions from aqueous solution by D113 resin. The results indicated that D113 resin could adsorb Eu(Ⅲ) ion effectively from aqueous solution. The adsorption was strongly dependent on pH of the medium with enhanced adsorption as the pH turned from 3.50 to 7.00 and the optimal adsorption condition was in HAc-NaAc medium with pH value of 6.50. The maximum uptake capacity of Eu(Ⅲ) ions was 290.9 mg/g D113 at 298 K, at an initial pH value of 6.50. The overall adsorption process was best described by Lagergren-first-order kinetics. When Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms were tested, the latter had a better fit with the experimental data. The thermodynamic parameters such as free energy (G) which were all negative, indicated that the adsorption of Eu(Ⅲ) ions onto D113 resin was spontaneous and the positive value of enthalpy (H) showed that the adsorption was endothermic in nature. Thomas model was applied to experimental column data to determine the characteristic parameters of column useful for process design. Furthermore, Eu(Ⅲ) could be eluted by using 3.0 mol/L HCl solution and the D113 resin could be regenerated and reused.