Synthesis of novel microcapsules containing DEHPA / TOPO and its adsorption behavior towards samarium and gadolinium

In the present study, new microcapsules with biopolymer matrix containing D2EHPA/TOPO extractant was synthesized under definite condition. It was characterized by thermogravimetry (TG) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Average size of microcapsules was estimated around 500µm. The result of TG showed that the microcapsules is stable until 150 °C. The adsorption study for both ions was performed under various conditions. It was found that microcapsules had high affinity towards Sm and Gd. .The results showed that the adsorption isotherm was in good agreement with freundlich and langmuir equations. The kinetic data obtained by the experiments showed that it follows a pseudo second order reaction and according to the shrinking core model, the chemical reaction is the rate controlling step.