Sorption of molybdenum(VI) ions on natural mineral sorbents

Abstract

The sorption of Mo(VI) ions on natural sorbents (zeolite tuffs and clinker) is investigated. It is estimated that zeolite tuffs sorb polymer forms of Mo(VI) ions in acidic media, while the monomer form of molybdate ion is sorbed in basic media. It is concluded that the rate of sorption of molybdenum(VI) ions on zeolite tuffs is regulated by an intradiffusional mechanism. Values of the activation energy indicate that the adsorption of molybdenum(VI) ions on zeolite tuffs is governed by a physical mechanism. The excretion of crystalline phase (probably calcium molybdate) on surfaces of zeolite tuff is estimated via scanning electron microscopy.