Enhancement of anions removal via adsorption-induced deformation of hydrated xerogels [ZrYb]O2–Al2O3 prepared at different temperatures

Alumina–zirconia doping ytterbia xerogels with an atomic ratio Al/Zr(Yb) = 1/3(0.3) prepared via sol–gel process at temperatures of 10, 25 and 60 °C were examined by TGA/DSC, SAXS and SEM methods and tested as sorbents of hexavalent chromium and methyl orange dye. A twenty-fold increase in the Henry’s law constant for dichromate ion sorption was observed after 7 days of sorption. This allows one to assume that the adsorption process induces self-formation of the xerogel porous structure resulting in the substantial enhancement of its sorption performance.