Recovery of Cerium(III) from aqueous solutions via selective adsorption using a three-layer bio-based composite

Berfai, B. B., Hamel, R., Cibian, M., Loranger, É. et Chabot, B. (2026). Recovery of Cerium(III) from aqueous solutions via selective adsorption using a three-layer bio-based composite. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 14 (2). Article 121977. ISSN 2213-2929 2213-3437 DOI 10.1016/j.jece.2026.121977

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Résumé

Abstract

As the demand for critical rare earth elements increases, their recovery from e-waste has become a sustainable alternative to traditional mining. Cerium, widely used in strategic technologies, remains challenging to recover efficiently. In this study, a three-layer bio-based composite adsorbent containing cellulose, phosphorylated cellulose, and electrospun chitosan nanofibers was developed to selectively adsorb and recover Ce3+ ions from aqueous solutions. The composite’s constituents strongly influenced its adsorption performance: phosphorylated cellulose introduced phosphate groups that enhanced Ce3+ binding through electrostatic interactions, while chitosan nanofibers provided amino and hydroxyl sites that improved chelation, porosity, and mechanical integrity. The optimized combination of these components achieved a balance between functionality, permeability, and stability. Characterization (e.g., scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, image analysis) confirmed the uniform distribution of active layers and the presence of functional groups responsible for adsorption. Batch adsorption tests revealed a high adsorption capacity of over 64 mg/g within 60 min, following a pseudo-first-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm behavior. Thermodynamic analysis indicated an exothermic process, and the composite exhibited selectivity toward Ce3+ and Nd3+ over Cu²⁺. Cerium was effectively desorbed and recovered, and the material maintained over 83% of its performance after four cycles, demonstrating its strong potential for sustainable rare earth recovery in line with circular economy principles.

Type de document:	Article
Mots-clés libres:	Cerium recovery Chitosan Phosphorylated cellulose Bio-based composite sorbent Adsorption Circular economy
Date de dépôt:	29 mars 2026 14:47
Dernière modification:	29 mars 2026 14:47
Version du document déposé:	Version officielle de l'éditeur
URI:	https://depot-e.uqtr.ca/id/eprint/12764

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