Optical detection and recovery of Yb(III) from waste sample using novel sensor ensemble nanomaterials

In the present study, the novel organic ligand of N,N–bis(salicylidene)1,2–bis(2–aminophenylthio)ethane based optical sensor material was fabricated by direct immobilization approach. The resultant sensor material was maintained with a high surface area with ordered mesoporosity even after successful organic ligand immobilization. The application of ytterbium (Yb(III)) detection, adsorption and recovery was evaluated at an optimum experimental protocol with exhibition of significant color formation. The morphology, porosity, and structure of sensor material were surveyed and the possible mechanism for detection and adsorption of Yb(III) ion on the surface of the sensor material was assumed. The effect of solution pH was carefully evaluated for the determination of optimum experimental conditions. The experimental data clarified that the Yb(III) ion was detected and adsorbed by the sensor material at pH 3.50. The sensor material was able to detect the low concentration of Yb(III) ion as the detection limit was 0.20 µg/L. The data were revealed that the proposed sensor material was not affected with the existing competing ions and the signal intensity and specific color was observed only toward the Yb(III) ion at the experimental condition. The adsorption performance was well fitted with the Langmuir adsorption isothermal model and the maximum adsorption capacity was 169.31 mg/g. The recovery of Yb(III) ion from the sensor material was carried out by 0.30 M HNO3. The outcome of this study suggested a non-toxic, economical, stable, efficient, easy-to-use and novel optical sensor material for the detection, adsorption and recovery of Yb(III) ion from aqueous solutions.