Sorption Behavior of Nickel(II) on Natural and Fe(III)-Modified Clinoptilolite: Optimization and Mechanism Insight

Marin Ugrina (), Jelena Dikić, Ivona Nuić and Sanja Jevtić
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Marin Ugrina: Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Chemistry and Technology, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 35, 21000 Split, Croatia
Jelena Dikić: Innovation Centre of the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Ivona Nuić: Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Chemistry and Technology, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 35, 21000 Split, Croatia
Sanja Jevtić: Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia

Clean Technol., 2025, vol. 7, issue 3, 1-28

Abstract: This study evaluates the sorption behavior of natural zeolite (NZ) and Fe(III)-modified natural zeolite (FeZ) for Ni(II) ions, with the objective of assessing their potential for application in the remediation of nickel-contaminated environments. Optimization of sorption parameters, including pH o , solid/liquid ratio (S/L), contact time, and initial Ni(II) concentration was performed to maximize both the sorption capacity of the zeolites and the removal efficiency of Ni(II) from suspension. The results demonstrated that both pH o and S/L ratio exert a significant influence on Ni(II) sorption onto both zeolites, with a particularly pronounced effect observed for FeZ. Experimental results confirmed that FeZ exhibits a four-to-five times higher sorption capacity for Ni(II) than NZ, which was additionally verified by elemental analysis, SEM-EDS, and elemental mapping of Ni(II)-saturated zeolites. Intraparticle diffusion was identified as the rate-limiting step in the transfer of Ni(II) ions to the active sorption sites. Ion exchange was identified as the main sorption mechanism accompanied by outer-sphere complexation and electrostatic attraction. Leaching tests of Ni(II)-saturated zeolites, conducted in accordance with the standard DIN 38414 S4 method, demonstrated that both zeolites effectively retained Ni(II) within their structures over a wide pH range, 4.11 ≤ pH o ≤ 12.02. These findings indicate the potential applicability of zeolites for remediation of nickel-contaminated environments, with FeZ being particularly promising due to its enhanced sorption capacity for Ni(II) ions.

Keywords: natural zeolite; Fe(III)-modified natural zeolite; nickel; sorption; leaching; optimization; sorption mechanism (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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