Abstract:Yeast/silica composites were prepared by solgel method to investigate the adsorption behavior of cerium ions (Ce(III)) in aqueous solution. Based on static adsorption experiments, the effects of pH value, adsorption time, initial concentration, temperature and coexisting ions on the adsorption behavior were investigated. The adsorption process was analyzed by kinetic and isotherm models. The adsorption mechanism was investigated by Fourier transmission infrared spectra and transmission electron microscope. The results show that the optimum pH value is 5.5. The adsorption capacity is increased with the increasing of initial concentration and temperature, and the adsorption reaches equilibrium after 120 min. The coexisting ions have slight effect on the adsorption of Ce(III). Pseudosecondorder kinetic model fits the kinetic data well. Langmuir adsorption isotherm model can well describe the adsorption process, indicating monolayer molecular adsorption. At 298 K, the maximal adsorption capacity is 36.1 mg·g-1.