Robust and recyclable sodium carboxymethyl cellulose–ammonium phosphomolybdate composites for cesium removal from wastewater

Abstract

A novel, facilely prepared, recyclable sodium carboxymethyl cellulose-ammonium phosphomolybdate composite (CMC-AMP) was synthesized by chemical cross-linking and used for Cs⁺ removal. The effects of adsorbent dosage, pH value, initial Cs⁺ concentration, contact time, temperature and competitive ions on adsorption were investigated. The results showed that CMC-AMP with good mechanical properties could effectively adsorb Cs⁺ in a wide pH range. In addition, the adsorption process of CMC-AMP was better fitted with the Lagergren first-second model and Langmuir isotherm model. Furthermore, CMC-AMP can be reused five times using ammonium chloride as the eluent without an obvious decrease in absorption activity. The results reveal that CMC-AMP can be used as a low cost and recyclable Cs⁺ adsorbent.