Equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic studies of adsorption of Th(IV) from aqueous solution onto kaolin

The kinetics and thermodynamics of the adsorption of Th(IV) on the kaolin were studied by using batch method. In addition, the experimental data were studied by dynamic and thermodynamic models. The results showed that the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent increased with increasing temperature and solid liquid ratio, but decreased with increasing initial Th(IV) ion concentration, and the best fit was obtained for the pseudo-second-order kinetics model. The calculated activation energy for adsorption was about 45 kJ/mol, which indicated the adsorption process to be chemisorption. The adsorption isotherm data could be well described by the Langmuir as well as Dubinin–Radushkevich model. The mean free energy (E) of adsorption was calculated to be about 15 kJ/mol. The thermodynamic data calculated showed that the adsorption was spontaneous and enhanced at higher temperature. Considering kinetics and equilibrium studies, the adsorption on the sites was the rate-limiting step and that adsorption was mainly a chemisorption process through cation exchange.