Selective separation of Cr(VI) and V(V) from solution by simple pH controlled two-step adsorption/desorption process with ZrO2

The recovery and separation of vanadium and chromium from vanadium-containing chromate solution are necessary and valuable for the comprehensive utilization and environmental protection of V-Ti-bearing magnetite ore. In this work, a tetragonal ZrO 2 adsorbent was used for harmless treatment and resource reuse of a low-concentration vanadium-containing chromate solution. Results confirmed that water after treatment met the wastewater discharge standard; in addition, Cr(VI) and V(V) were efficiently separated with the V/Cr separation coefficient of 362.05 for the pH of 3.5 and the V/Cr ratio of 1:1 at the concentration of 80 mg/L. This excellent and stable separation performance of ZrO 2 was ascribed to the competitive adsorption of V(V) and Cr(VI) on ZrO 2 , owing to the strong effect of pH on their adsorption and desorption behavior. V(V) and Cr(VI) in vanadium-containing chromate solution can be removed, recovered, separated and enriched through a two-step adsorption/desorption process. The purity of vanadium and chromium can reach more than 99.8%. The adsorption of vanadium and chromium by ZrO 2 has high application value, which is beneficial to the recovery of resources and environmental protection.