The Roles of the Surface Charge and Hydroxyl Group on a Fe−Al−Ce Adsorbent in Fluoride Adsorption

The roles of the surface charge and hydroxyl group on a Fe-Al-Ce adsorbent in fluoride adsorption were studied. Fluoride adsorption at different initial solution pH was investigated. An external voltage was applied to an adsorbent-coated electrode to examine the adsorption characteristics due to the surface charge. The capability of accepting or providing H+ of the hydroxyl on the adsorbent surface was determined through the titration of NaOH solution, and the change of the hydroxyl before and after adsorption was analyzed by FTIR. Fluoride adsorption was rapid during the initial stage but slowed down later. Fluoride ions were transferred to the adsorbent surface by Coulombic attraction and/or thermal motion, forming a temporary and nonspecific adsorption. The enriched fluoride ions reacted with the hydroxyl groups on the adsorbent surface, forming a stable adsorption. The surface charge on the adsorbent and ion exchange between surface hydroxyl groups and fluoride ions have a large effect on the adsorption rate and efficiency. © 2009 American Chemical Society.