ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Recent progress in silver (Ag) adsorption technologies: mechanisms, challenges, and opportunities: a review

A. Hashem and S. Farag

National Research Centre, Textile Research and Technology Institute, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt

E-mail: alihashem2000@yahoo.com

Received: 5 April 2025  Accepted: 17 June 2025

Abstract:

The adsorption of silver (Ag) from aqueous solutions is a critical research area due to its environmental, industrial, and economic significance. Silver, a valuable metal widely used in various industries, poses ecological and health risks when released into wastewater. Adsorption is an effective, cost-efficient method for silver removal, offering high efficiency and operational simplicity. Recent advancements have led to the development of advanced adsorbents with enhanced capacity and selectivity for silver ions. This review examines the mechanisms of silver adsorption, including electrostatic interactions, ion exchange, surface complexation, and redox reactions, and evaluates adsorbent performance through isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamics. Key factors influencing adsorption, such as pH and competing ions, are analyzed, alongside emerging trends like sustainable adsorbents and hybrid technologies. Challenges, including adsorbent regeneration and scalability, are discussed, as are opportunities for resource recovery and circular economy approaches. This review aims to guide the development of efficient, sustainable silver adsorption technologies for environmental remediation and industrial applications.

Keywords: Silver; adsorption; aqueous solutions; mechanisms; adsorbents; sustainability

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-025-04194-2

Chemical Papers 79 (9) 5661–5686 (2025)