Preparation and characterization of titanium tungstophosphate immobilized on mesoporous silica SBA-15 as a new inorganic composite ion exchanger for the removal of lanthanum from aqueous solution

In this study, a novel inorganic composite ion exchanger based on titanium tungstophosphate (TWP) and mesoporous silica SBA-15 has been synthesized. The synthesized product was characterized by methods and instrumental techniques. The results obtained from X-ray diffraction, N-2 adsorption-desorption and Fourier transform infrared analysis confirm immobilization of TWP on SBA-15. Consequently, the ability of this composite for the adsorption of lanthanum ions from aqueous solution was investigated. Considering the relatively high adsorption capacity of lanthanum onto synthesized composite, this material can be potential candidate for the removal of even trace amount of lanthanum ions from nuclear and other industrial wastewater.