Experimental and theoretical investigation of sorption kinetics of beryllium on Amberlite-IR-120 sorbent

Abstract Experimental and theoretical studies of the sorption kinetics of beryllium cation from its synthetic solution on amberlite IR-120 (Amb-IR-120) sorbent was achieved at different temperatures. The dependence of the sorption kinetic parameters on the temperature of the solution has been investigated. The pH of solution and agitation speed had dramatic effects on the uptake of Be by Amb-IR-120. It was found that pH in the range of 3–3.5 and agitation speed of 150 rpm are proper conditions of Be sorption at the present experimental set. The fit of experimental data with the homogeneous diffusion model (HDM) equations demonstrated the possibility of using this model for adequate description of the beryllium sorption kinetics on the Amb-IR-120 sorbent. Two stages of adsorption with different controlling processes were proposed. Liquid film diffusion controls the process at the early stage of the adsorption followed by matrix diffusion which controls the process in the final stage. Two different equations were used to express each stage.