Efficient and selective Pd(II) capture from simulated electronic waste leachate by pyrimidine-based cellulose

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Efficient palladium recovery is crucial for sustainable resource management.
• Developing selective adsorbents is key to separating valuable metals from complex matrices.
• Pyrimidine derivatives offer potential for targeted metal ion complexation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and evaluate pyrimidine-functionalized cellulose adsorbents for palladium(II) recovery.
• To compare the adsorption performance of cytosine (MCGC), thymine (MCGT), and uracil (MCGU) modified cellulose.
• To investigate the selectivity, capacity, and reusability of the developed adsorbents.

Main Methods:

• Radiation grafting of pyrimidine bases (cytosine, thymine, uracil) onto cellulose.
• Batch and column adsorption experiments for Pd(II) evaluation.
• Characterization techniques and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations.

Main Results:

• MCGC, MCGU, and MCGT adsorbents showed high selectivity for Pd(II) in multi-ion systems.
• MCGC exhibited the highest adsorption capacity (94.0 mg/g at pH 5) and maintained >80% efficiency at a 1:2000 Pd:ion ratio.
• MCGC demonstrated stable adsorption-desorption performance over ten cycles, with DFT confirming favorable Pd-cytosine interactions.

Conclusions:

• Pyrimidine-functionalized cellulose, especially MCGC, is a promising sustainable adsorbent for selective Pd(II) recovery.
• Cytosine modification enhances Pd(II) binding affinity and selectivity.
• The developed adsorbents offer a viable solution for palladium recycling and environmental remediation.