Synthesis and application of bioadsorbent for Y(III) ions from Poly(vinyl amine) grafted onto rayon by radiation-induced grafting

Rayon cellulose can chelate metal ions from rare earth elements. However, the smooth surface of rayon fibers limits their adsorption performance, making it necessary to modify rayon cellulose by incorporating ligands to enhance the adsorption of Y(III) ions. Furthermore, grafting amine groups as ligands through radiation-induced grafting is an effective process to modify rayon. The present study was conducted for the successful adsorption of Y(III) ions from an aqueous solution using a cellulose-based adsorbent prepared by radiation-induced grafting. The adsorbent was successfully prepared by simultaneously irradiating rayon fiber and N-vinyl formamide. The optimum grafting conditions were found by adjusting the concentration of N-vinyl formamide and the doses of irradiation. The characterization of the adsorbent was carried out to determine the effect of radiation-induced grafting on the adsorbent by using FTIR, SEM, and XRD. Furthermore, the factors affecting Y(III) adsorption were investigated in batch mode with parameters of pH solution, initial concentration, and contact time. The optimal grafting of the adsorbent was at 10 kGy doses of radiation and 50 % concentration of N-vinyl formamide. The effective pH for capturing Y(III) ions was 7.0 and the adsorption capacity was 25 mg/g at 40 min. The equilibrium data align well with the Freundlich adsorption isotherm model, which suggests multilayer adsorption on the surface.