Novel Nanomaterials-Based Methods for Preconcentration and Assay of Some Rare Earth Elements and their Applications in real water samples

Summary

Rare earth elements (REEs) have gained economic interest due to their unique properties and wide applications. The demand for REEs is steadily increasing so their recovery from industrial wastewater is quite important. Adsorption is an efficient separation technique, yet developing of low-cost materials that could effectively adsorb REEs is highly desirable. On the other hand, the growing applications of REEs have resulted in their accumulation in the environment, which can have devastating effects on humans, aquatic life and vegetation. Thus REEs determination in various environmental samples using low-cost protocols is of great interest. This work aims at developing efficient adsorbents for REEs (e.g., Ce, La, Sm..etc.). Magnetite nanocomposite coated by material with high absorption capacity is our approach to achieve this target. Out second objective in this proposal is to develop electrochemical sensors for REEs (e.g., Ce, La, Sm..etc.) that combine selectivity, sensitivity, simplicity and quick monitoring. Electrochemical sensors have many advantages making it an appealing choice for real samples analysis as they are characterized by high accuracy and the ability to analyze in a wide linear concentration range with high sensitivity and high selectivity, in addition to instrumental simplicity, moderate cost and portability. This project will also target the development, surface and electrochemical characterization, as well as analytical applications of a voltammetric sensor for REEs (e.g., Ce, La, Sm..etc.) in a rapid, sensitive, operationally simple, and cost-effective manner.  

Keywords:Rare earth elements, Adsorption, Magnetite nanoparticles, Voltammetric Sensors

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