A Phosphonic Functionalized Biopolymer for the Sorption of Lanthanum (III) and Application in the Recovery of Rare Earth Elements

Phosphonic acid functionalization of gellan gum and chitosan biopolymers was successfully performed. In the first step, sorption investigated using La(III) ions before testing for recovery rare earth elements (REEs) from pretreated industrial acidic leachate. The sorbent characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), thermogravimetric (TGA), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), pH zero charge (pHPZC) determination. FTIR EDX results show efficient grafting phosphoryl groups. determined crude materials (PGEG) after phosphorylation (TBP-PGEG). More seen phosphorylated than composite. capacity is 0.226 mmol La g?1 PGEG while value 0.78 TBP-PGEG. We infer that phosphonate groups participate in sorption. most effective at = 4. kinetic behavior described pseudo first-order equations (PFORE), second-order (PSORE), resistance to intraparticle diffusion (RIDE). isotherms can be better represented Langmuir Sips Freundlich equation. shows high stability performance during reuse cycles a limit on decrease performances desorption performances. have thus developed good tool REEs selectivity higher non-functionalized components.