Aluminum alginate foam synthesis, characterization, and application for low concentration fluoride ion removal

The removal of fluoride ions at low concentrations from industrial wastewater has economic and environmental significance simutaneously and presents a great challenge. In this research, an aluminum alginate (AA) foam with a stable frame structure was fabricated by crosslinking sodium alginate (SA) with aluminum chloride (AlCl3) used vacuum freeze-drying treatment. The prepared foam was then employed to remediate fluoride contaminated water. The investigation of the physical chemistry and adsorption properties of AA foam was conducted in a systematic manner. Result showed that the composite foam had a maximum fluoride adsorption capacity of 7.56 mg/g in a 20 mg/L solution of fluoride ions at ambient temperature, illustrating the AA foam exhibits a significant capacity in removal of fluoride contaminated water at low concentrations.