Description
This study evaluates the synthesis and performance of polyphosphate-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) for the adsorption of uranium (U) from aqueous media. The nanoparticles were synthesized via a modified sol-gel method and functionalized using O-phosphorylethanolamine. Characterization via SEM, BET, FTIR, and TGA confirmed successful modification.
Adsorption experiments were conducted to assess the influence of pH, temperature, contact time, adsorbent dose, and competing ions. Results showed that uranium adsorption peaked at 120 minutes, with a removal efficiency of 73.81% at 25°C and 10 ppm. Adsorption decreased with increasing U concentration but improved at elevated temperatures. Optimal pH for maximum adsorption was found to be pH 6 for 100 ppm and pH 4 for 50 ppm solutions.
In competitive adsorption experiments, the modified MSNs demonstrated a selective affinity for uranium over other heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb), with up to 40% uranium removal efficiency. These findings highlight the potential of polyphosphate-modified MSNs for selective and efficient uranium decontamination from contaminated water sources.
Keywords: Uranium removal, Mesoporous silica nanoparticles, Adsorption, Polyphosphate, Water treatment
| Technical Track | Nuclear Materials |
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