Selective sorption of Sb(III) oxoanion by composite sorbents based on cerium and zirconium hydrous oxides

Composite sorbents based on hydrous oxides of cerium and zirconium were used for selective removal of Sb(III) oxoanion. The effects of pH, concentration of Sb and accompanying anions in the feed solution and kinetic of the sorption were studied. Both CeO2.nH2O/XAD-7 and ZrO-PAN sorbents showed similar sorption capacity at all pH value which was studied. Sorbent CeO2.nH2O/XAD-7 showed higher removal efficiency than ZrO-PAN. In both cases, increased concentration of sulfates and chlorides in the feed solution caused a decrease of Sb(III) removal.