Adsorption of rhodium(III) from plating solutions by calcined gibbsite

Gibbsite calcined at 400°C (GB400) was prepared, and its ability to adsorb rhodium(III) was investigated. Optimal pH, effect of contact time, temperature, adsorption isotherms, and recovery percentage were evaluated. The optimal pH was 6.3. The adsorption equilibrium was achieved within 24 h. The adsorption rate was found to be of pseudo-first order. The experimental data were fitted to both the Freundlich (r = 0.90–0.93) and Langmuir (r = 0.94–0.96) equations. The amount of rhodium(III) adsorbed decreased with increasing temperature. Rhodium(III) being adsorbed from phosphate or sulfate plating solution was recovered using hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide solutions at 1, 10, and 100 mmol L−1.