Efficient sorption and secure immobilization of strontium ions onto nanoporous alumino-borosilicate as a new matrix

Abstract

The objective behind developing the nanoporous alumino-borosilicate (AlBS) was to remove strontium (Sr) from liquid waste and subsequently stabilize it. The sorption capacity of the nanoporous AlBS was assessed in relation to various experimental factors, including contact time, temperature, initial pH solution, and initial concentration of Sr. According to the obtained results, nanoporous AlBS shows a maximum Sr sorption capacity of 125.0 mg.g− 1. In order to achieve stable immobilization of the sorbed Sr ions, heat treatments at different temperatures were applied to the Sr-containing nanoporous AlBS. Various eluents were used in the leach tests to examine the Sr leaching from heat-treated materials. Only 3.43% of the Sr initially adsorbed in the nanoporous AlBS matrix was washed out with 1M sodium chloride eluent, showing that heating the sample to around 1100°C successfully trapped Sr in the nanoporous AlBS matrix.