Separation and recovery of Nd(III) via adsorption on Three-Dimensional Wood-Based imprinted chitosan composite membranes

Neodymium is a crucial strategic resource, which requires enhanced adsorption and recovery methods. Various researchers have utilized chitosan as an adsorbent for neodymium element adsorption. However, the low surface negative charge of the chitosan adsorbent affects its adsorption efficiency, and its inadequate mechanical properties hinder reusability. To address these issues, this study developed two composite membranes: the 3D wood imprinted carboxylated chitosan composite membrane (3DW-ICNTs/COOH/CS) and the 3D wood carboxylated chitosan composite membrane (3DW-CNTs/COOH/CS) for the separation and recovery of rare earth Nd(III). Kinetic experimental results indicate that both composite membranes reached 80% of maximum adsorption capacity within 200 min, indicating the significant negative charge on the surface of the carboxylated carbon nanotube-modified chitosan material. Even after ten adsorption and desorption cycles, imprinted composite membranes maintained a removal rate of about 80%. The utilizing delignified wood as a support material preserved the mechanical properties of the composite membrane, thereby providing a favorable condition for its industrial application.