Americium(III) capture using phosphonic acid-functionalized silicas with different mesoporous morphologies: adsorption behavior study and mechanism investigation by EXAFS/XPS

Enhanced Thermal Stability and Broad Temperature Range in High-Entropy (La0.2Ce0.2Nd0.2Sm0.2Eu0.2)NbO4 Ceramics

Next-generation high-temperature applications increasingly rely heavily on advanced thermistor materials with enhanced thermal stability and electrical performance. However, thus far, the great challenge of realizing high thermal stability and precision in a wide temperature range has become a key bottleneck restricting the high-temperature application. Here, we propose a high-entropy strategy to design novel high-temperature thermistor ceramics (La0.2Ce0.2Nd0.2Sm0.2Eu0.2)NbO4. Differences in atomic size, mass, and electronegativity in this high-entropy system cause high lattice distortion, substantial grain boundaries, and high dislocation density. These enhance the charge carrier transport and reduce the grain boundary resistance, thus synergistically broadening the temperature range. Our samples maintain high precision and thermal stability over a wide temperature range from room temperature to 1523 K (ΔT = 1250 K) with an aging value as low as 0.42% after 1000 h at 1173 K, showing breakthrough progress in high-temperature thermistor ceramics. This study establishes an effective approach to enhancing the performance of high-temperature thermistor materials through high-entropy strategies.

Phosphonic Acid-Functionalized MIL-53(Al) As an Efficient Sorbent for Trace Rare Earth Elements Preconcentration, Storage and Their Determination by X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry

In this work, a simple and novel method coupling solid phase extraction (SPE) with X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) is proposed for the simultaneous determination of 15 kinds of trace rare earth elements (REEs) in water samples. A phosphonic acid functionalized metal-organic framework named BPG-MIL-53(Al) was prepared via postsynthetic modification and served as an efficient adsorbent for these REEs. The prepared BPG-MIL-53(Al) could almost completely adsorb REEs in 5 min under neutral conditions. After filtration, REEs-adsorbed BPG-MIL-53(Al) was deposited on a filter membrane to form a thin film, which was directly analyzed by XRF. The XRF intensities of the REEs-retained MOF disc remained almost unchanged after six months. Taking advantage of this strategy, XRF was able to quantitate ng mL-1 levels of REEs in water samples, achieving impressive limits of detection in the range of 0.4-4.7 ng mL-1. The proposed method was applied to the on-site collection and analysis of REEs in real water samples with desirable accuracy and spike recoveries obtained.

Sorption study of long-lived 94Nb on laterite: Effects of physicochemical parameters on sorption

Zr-Nb alloy is used as the pressure tube in pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWR). Prolonged neutron irradiation of the pressure tubes leads to the formation of a long-lived radioisotope ⁹⁴Nb. Thus, the discharged pressure tubes possess huge ⁹⁴Nb activity which persists for a prolonged period.If these discharged pressure tubes come in contact with ground water, ⁹⁴Nb isotope may leach and migrate and this can lead to a long-term radiological impact in the environment.In the present study, we have explored the capability of laterite as a filler material for the containment and retarding the migration of ⁹⁴Nb. In this regard, detailed characterization of the laterite soil was carried out using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infra-red spectrometry (FTIR), total cation exchange capacity determination, zeta potential measurement and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The sorption study of ⁹⁴Nb on laterite was carried and the effects of different physico-chemical parameters like pH, ionic strength, temperature and equilibration time were evaluated. Ionic strength, temperature and time dependent sorption studies assist to explore the probable sorption mechanism of ⁹⁴Nb on laterite, which helps in understanding the migration behaviour of ⁹⁴Nb in natural aquatic environment. This study suggests that laterite is a promising material in containment of ⁹⁴Nb isotope owing to its good cation exchange behaviour in the acidic medium and ability to form surface complex in the neutral medium.

Removal of 241Am from Aqueous Solutions by Adsorption on Sponge Gourd Biochar

Luffa cylindrica biomass was converted to biochar and the removal of 241Am by pristine and oxidized biochar fibers was investigated in laboratory and environmental water samples. This species has the added advantage of a unique microsponge structure that is beneficial for the production of porous adsorbents. The main purpose of this study was to valorize this biomass to produce an efficient adsorbent and investigate its performance in radionuclide-contaminated waters. Following the preparation of Am3+ solutions at a concentration of 10−12 mol/L, the adsorption efficiency (Kd) was determined as a function of pH, adsorbent mass, ionic strength, temperature, and type of aqueous solution by batch experiments. At the optimum adsorbent dose of 0.1 g and pH value of 4, a log10Kd value of 4.2 was achieved by the oxidized biochar sample. The effect of temperature and ionic strength indicated that adsorption is an endothermic and entropy-driven process (ΔH° = −512 kJ mol−1 and ΔS° = −1.2 J K−1 mol−1) leading to the formation of inner-sphere complexes. The adsorption kinetics were relatively slow (24 h equilibrium time) due to the slow diffusion of the radionuclide to the biochar surface and fitted well to the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. Oxidized biochar performed better compared to the unmodified sample and overall appears to be an efficient adsorbent for the treatment of 241Am-contaminated waters, even at ultra-trace concentrations.

Separation of Minor Actinides from High-Level Liquid Waste Using Novel Silica-Based Butyl-BTP Adsorbents

To separate the long-lived minor actinides (MA = Am, Cm) from high-level liquid waste (HLLW), we have been studying an advanced separation process via selective adsorption that uses minimal amounts of organic solvent and compact equipment. The process consists of two separation columns packed with a CMPO (octyl(phenyl)-N,N-diisobutylcarbamoyl-methyl phosphine oxide) adsorbent for elemental group separation and a soft-donor named the R-BTP (2,6-bis-(5,6-dialkyl-1,2,4-triazine-3-yl) pyridine) adsorbent for the isolation of MA from lanthanides (Ln). In this work, the effects of nitrate ion (NO₃^-) on the adsorption behavior of Am(III) and a typical fission product Ln(III) onto the isoBu-BTP/SiO₂-P adsorbent were studied experimentally. Then, the desorption properties of the adsorbed element were examined using different eluting agents. A hot test for the separation of MA from the fission product Ln in a genuine MA containing effluent from the irradiated MOX-fuel treatment process was carried out using a nBu-BTP/SiO₂-P packed column. It was found that the separation factor between Am(III) and Ln(III)-FP is over 100 in the measured 0.5-4 M NO₃^-. The adsorbed elements could be effectively eluted off using a complexing agent such as DTPA or pure water. Complete separation between MA and Ln was achieved in the column results, indicating that the proposed MA separation process is feasible in principle.

Preparation of a Novel Organic Phosphonic Acid Intercalated Phosphate Tailings Based Hydrotalcite and Its Application in Enhancing Fire Safety for Epoxy Resin

Phosphate tailings (PTs) are solid waste, which is produced by phosphate flotation. In this work, PTs were used as raw materials for the preparation of diethylenetriamine pentamethronic acid (DTPMP) intercalated trimetal (Ca-Mg-Al) layered double hydroxides (TM-DTPMP LDHs) by co-precipitation method. TM-DTPMP LDHs were characterized by X-ray diffraction, fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, differential thermal gravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and applied as a flame retardant to improve the fire safety of epoxy resin (EP). The results showed that the composite materials exhibited obvious layered structure. After intercalation, layer spacing increased from 0.783 to 1.78 Å. When the amount of TM-DTPMP LDH in EP was 8%, the limitted oxygen index of the composite material increased from the original 19.2% to 30.2%. In addition, Cone calorimeter (CC) and Raman spectrum results indicated that with the addition of TM-DTPMP LDHs, the value of heat release rate peak (pHRR) and total heat release (THR) were reduced by more than 43% and 60%, while the value of smoke formation rate (pSPR) and the total smoke production (TSP) decreased nearly 64% and 83%, respectively. The significant reduction in the release of combustion heat and harmful smoke during EP combustion may be attributed to the synergistic flame-retardant effect between hydrotalcite and DTPMP. This work exhibited great potential for the green recycling of PTs and the enhancement of the fire safety of EP.

SOLID PHASE EXTRACTANTS BASED ON POROUS POLYMERS IMPREGNATED WITH MULTIDENTATE CHELATING LIGANDS FOR ACTINIDE AND LANTHANIDE REMOVAL

Introduction. Treatment and disposal of radioactive wastes as well as monitoring of radioactive isotope content in environmental objects are actual tasks in the developed world. Lanthanide and transuranium element removal from spent nuclear fuel of nuclear power plants allows decreasing waste amount to be dumped and diminishing the risk of environmental pollution by radionuclides. Problem Statement. Considering extreme radiotoxicity of transuranium elements and tight standards restricting their activity in air and water, there is an urgent need to develop accurate and highly sensitive methods for pollution control. Purpose. Development of solid phase extractants (SPEs) based on porous polymers impregnated with multidentate chelating ligands for lanthanide, uranium and transuranium element removal from aqueous solutions. Materials and Methods. The materials used are porous divinylbenzene polymers of POROLAS brand and styrene-divinylbenzene copolymers from Smoly SE (Kamianske); multidentate chelating ligands of actinides and lanthanides such as N,N,N´,N´-tetra-n-octyl-oxapentane-1,5-diamide (TODGA) and carbamoyl phosphine oxides (CMPO); sorbent from TrisKem (France) based on TRU Resin (Eichrom Industries, Inc.). The research techniques are inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, IR spectroscopy, scanning electron spectroscopy, spectrofluorimetry. Results. The solid-phase extractants (SPEs) for actinide and lanthanide removal from aqueous solutions have been synthesized by impregnation of porous polymeric POROLAS matrices and TODGA, CMPO-(PhOct) and CMPO-(Ph2). Sorption kinetics has been studied and capacity values for the different sorbents have been estimated. Extractive columns for uranium and europium concentration have been manufactured. Conclusions. SPEs studied demonstrate a high efficiency in removing uranium and europium from aqueous solutions. Due to their characteristics obtained materials may be used for preconcentration of target ions in radioecologycal monitoring procedures.

Unexpected ultrafast and highly efficient removal of uranium from aqueous solutions by a phosphonic acid and amine functionalized polymer adsorbent

P(DMAA–B2MP) was prepared by solvothermal polymerization and exhibits fast and efficient sorption of uranium(vi) from aqueous solutions.

Decisive role of adsorption affinity in antibiotic adsorption on a positively charged MnFe2O4@CAC hybrid

The discharge and consequent occurrence of antibiotics in the environment has led to increasing concerns because their presence can promote the development of resistance genes, which in turn pose a significant health risk. A key process to control the transport and risk of antibiotics is adsorption. Thus, we investigated the adsorption mechanisms of six typical antibiotics onto a MnFe₂O₄@cellulose activated carbon (CAC) hybrid combining batch adsorption experiments and quantum chemical calculations. In the single-adsorbate adsorption systems, the solid-phase concentrations of the adsorbates varied from 152.8 to 395.7 mg/g, which were dependent on the adsorption affinity and molecular structures or sizes of the antibiotics. Chemisorption was the main adsorption mechanism, and it was driven by p-d electronic conjugation and cation-π interactions. In the competitive adsorption systems, the solid-phase concentrations of both primary (sulfamethazine, SMT) and secondary (the other five antibiotics) adsorbates decreased significantly. The decrease ratio of SMT varied from 15.42% to 67.28% while that of the secondary adsorbates varied from 14.13% to 52.74%. The "competition" strength was depended on the adsorption energy and the overlapping of adsorption sites. We believe that these findings will provide a better understanding of the adsorption characteristics of typical antibiotics and facilitate the strategy developing for the removal of antibiotics from the aqueous phase.

Relativistic Effects Stabilize the Planar Wheel-like Structure of Actinide-Doped Gold Clusters: An@Au7 (An = Th to Cm)

Despite the chemistry of actinide-ligand bonding is continuing and of burgeoning interest, investigations of the chemical bonding of bimetallic complexes involving transuranics remain relatively less, and there are rarely studies on the bonding features between actinide and coinage metals (CM). We present a systematic research on the series of An@Au₇ (An = Th to Cm), UCM₇ (CM = Cu, Ag, Au), and WAu₇ clusters to investigate the unique geometries, electronic structures, and chemical bonding between An 5f6d orbitals and CM ns orbitals, and to find their periodicity across the actinides and within the group of transition metals. A unique planar wheel-like structure for An@Au₇ clusters with the help of actinide metals encapsulation via spin-orbit coupling, resulting in An(III). Instead, the transition-metal (TM) element W retains its usual six-gold-coordination structure in WAu₇, thus forcing the seventh Au out of plane. The An-CM interactions, depending on the ion radii, become stronger with the increase of the atomic number of the actinide metals, as well as the CM. These results show that the presence of actinides in clusters can lead to unique electronic and geometrical structures.

Hydroxypyridinone Derivatives: A Low-pH Alternative to Polyaminocarboxylates for TALSPEAK-like Separation of Trivalent Actinides from Lanthanides

Separation of lanthanides (Ln) from actinides (An) is unanimously challenging in reprocessing used nuclear fuel despite of much dedicated efforts over the past several decades. The TALSPEAK process is the current reference method in the United States for Ln³⁺/An³⁺ separation but suffers from several limitations, such as a narrow working pH window (3.5-4.0), costly pH buffers, and slow extraction kinetics. Studies aiming at improving TALSPEAK have so far focused on polyaminocarboxylates hold-back reagents. Here, a new class of water-soluble ligands comprising hydroxypyridinone metal-binding units are evaluated for Ln³⁺/An³⁺ separation. The model octadentate chelator 3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO) (abbreviated as HOPO) was used in combination with several industry-relevant organic extractants to separate Gd from four transplutonium elements (Am, Cm, Bk, and Cf). Cyanex 301 GN and HDEHP worked best in combination with HOPO, whereas HEH[EHP], Cyanex 572, and ACORGA M5640 did not yield practical Ln³⁺/An³⁺ separation. Separation factors between Gd³⁺ and Am³⁺ reach about 50 with the HOPO/Cyanex 301 GN system and 30 with the HOPO/HDEHP system. The results using HDEHP (SF_Gd/Am = 30, SF_Gd/Cm = 8.5, and SF_Gd/Cf = 773) are high enough for industrial applications, and the proposed system works at pH values as low as 1.5, which simplifies the process by eliminating the need for pH buffers. In contrast to previously proposed methods, the HOPO-based process is also highly selective at separating Bk from Ln³⁺ (SF_Gd/Bk = 273) owing to in situ, spontaneous oxidation of Bk(III) to Bk(IV) by HOPO. The optimal pH in the case of HOPO/Cyanex 301 GN is 3.6 (SF_Am/Gd = 50, SF_Cm/Gd = 23, SF_Bk/Gd = 1.4, and SF_Cf/Gd = 3.2), but this system has the advantage of extracting An ions into the organic phase while keeping Ln ions in the aqueous phase, which is opposite to the conventional TALSPEAK process. This study represents the first optimization of a TALSPEAK-like Ln/An separation method using a HOPO chelator and paves the avenue for further developments of analytical science and reprocessing of used nuclear fuel.

Theoretical Insight into Coordination Chemistry of Am(VI) and Am(V) with Phenanthroline Ligand: Implications for High Oxidation State Based Minor Actinide Separation

Despite continuing and burgeoning interest in americium (Am) coordination chemistry in recent years, investigations of the electronic structures and bonding chemistry of high oxidation state americium complexes and their implications for minor actinide separation remain relatively less explored to date. Here, we used density functional theory (DFT) to create high oxidation states of americium but experimentally feasible models of Am(V) and Am(VI) complexes of phenanthroline ligand (DAPhen) as [AmO₂(L)]^1+/2+ and [AmO₃(L)]¹⁺ (L = 2,9-bis[(N,N-dimethyl)-carbonyl]-1,10-phenanthroline (oxo-DAPhen, L_O) and 2,9-bis[(N,N-dimethyl)-thio-carbonyl]-1,10-phenanthroline (thio-DAPhen, L_S)), meanwhile comparing these with [UO₂(L)]²⁺. On the basis of the calculations, the Am(V) and Am(VI) oxidation state are thermodynamically feasible and can be stabilized by DAPhen ligands. From a comparative study, the strength of thio-DAPhen in the separation of high oxidation state Am emerges better than does oxo-DAPhen, which relates to the nature, energy level, and spatial arrangement of their frontier orbitals. This study provides fundamental knowledge toward understanding the transuranic separations processes, which has implications in designing new, more selective extraction processes for the separation of Am from curium (Cm) as well as lanthanide.

pKa-Directed Incorporation of Phosphonates into MOF-808 via Ligand Exchange: Stability and Adsorption Properties for Uranium

We report a class of pK_a-directed, precise incorporation of phosphonate ligands into a zirconium-based metal-organic framework (Zr-MOF), MOF-808, via ligand exchange. By replacing of formate ligands with methylphosphonic acid (MPA), ethanephosphonic acid (EPA), and vinylphosphonic acid (VPA), whose pK_a values are slightly higher than that of the benzenetricarboxylic acid (BTC) linker in MOF-808, daughter MOFs can be synthesized without controlling the stoichiometric amounts of added MPA. The methylphosphonate MOFs (808-MPAs) demonstrate high porosities, with only small changes in the pore diameter and specific surface area when compared with the parent MOF-808. PXRD patterns and structure refinements indicate the expansion of the lattice for all MOFs after decorating with methylphosphonate ligands. The XPS spectra reveal a charge redistribution of the Zr₆ node after ligand exchange. FTIR and ³¹P MAS NMR spectra, combined with DFT calculation, suggest that the methylphosphonate ligand is connected to the Zr₆ node as CH₃P(O)(OZr)(OH) species with an accessible acidic P-OH group. Besides, 808-MPAs demonstrate excellent chemical stability in concentrated HCl, concentrated HNO₃, hot water, and 0.2 mol/L trifluoroacetic acid solutions. Impressively, 808-MPAs show ultrafast adsorption performance for uranyl ions using the ion-exchange property of P-OH sites in their cavity environment, with an equilibrium time of 10 min, much quicker than the previous adsorbents. The present study demonstrates a series of important proof-of-concept examples of the pK_a-directed Zr-MOFs with tunable phosphonate-terminated ligands, which can extend to other phosphonate-functionalized Zr-based framework platforms in the near future.

Well-defined functional mesoporous silica/polymer hybrids prepared by an ICAR ATRP technique integrated with bio-inspired polydopamine chemistry for lithium isotope separation

Mesoporous silica/polymer hybrids with well-preserved mesoporosity were prepared by integrating the initiators for continuous activator regeneration (ICAR) atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) technique with the bio-inspired polydopamine (PDA) chemistry. By manipulating the auto-oxidative polymerization of dopamine, uniform PDA layers were deposited on the surfaces and pore walls of ordered mesoporous silicas (OMSs), thereby promoting the immobilization of ATRP initiators. Poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) brushes were then grown from the OMSs by using the ICAR ATRP technique. The evolution of the mesoporous silica/polymer hybrids during synthesis, in terms of morphology, structure, surface and porous properties, was detailed. And, parameters influencing the controlled growth of polymer chains in the ICAR ATRP system were studied. Taking advantage of the abundant epoxy groups in the PGMA platform, post-functionalization of the mesoporous silica/polymer hybrids by the covalent attachment of macrocyclic ligands for the adsorptive separation of lithium isotopes was realized. Adsorption behavior of the functionalized hybrids toward lithium ions was fully investigated, highlighting the good selectivity, and effects of temperature, solvent and counter ions. The ability for lithium isotope separation was evaluated. A higher separation factor could be obtained in systems with softer counter anions and lower polarity solvents. More importantly, due to the versatility of the ICAR ATRP technique, combined with the non-surface specific PDA chemistry, the methodology established in this work would provide new opportunities for the preparation of advanced organic-inorganic porous hybrids for broadened applications.

Fast adsorption of heavy metal ions by waste cotton fabrics based double network hydrogel and influencing factors insight

Massive consumption of cotton fabrics has brought up a serious problem concerning the waste cotton fabrics (WCFs) disposal. It is widely accepted that if WCFs can be reutilized, there will be great business potentials. Herein, we prepared a double network hydrogel based on WCFs and polyacrylamide (Cellulose/PAM DNHs) for heavy metal removal. The DNHs exhibit fast kinetics that sorption equilibrium is achieved in 5min because of the porous and sheet-like laminar structures they possess. The DNHs also illustrate excellent adsorption property and good reusability. The tandem two columns packed with Cellulose/PAM-3 can effectively process simulated and practical wastewater, and the adsorption discrepancy is negligible after three adsorption-desorption cycles. The treatment volumes of simulated wastewater are 172.5 BV (7935mL), 195 BV (8970mL), and 292.5 BV (13455mL) for Cd(II), Cu(II), and Pb(II), respectively. Furthermore, the treatment volumes of practical industrial wastewater reach 42 BV (1932mL) for Cd(II), 63 BV (2898mL) for Cu(II), and 87 BV (4002mL) for Zn(II), Pb(II) and Fe, respectively. This work provides a new avenue for the combination of WCFs reuse and heavy metal removal, which is of great importance to the construction of resource sustainability and environment-friendly society.

Chemisorption of lanthanide ions on succinate-functionalized mesoporous silica: An in situ characterization by fluorescence

Chemisorption of Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺ on SBA-15 functionalized with succinic groups has been studied by in situ steady-state fluorescence measurements. The enhancement of the emission sensitive bands indicates that both ions adsorb forming inner-sphere surface complexes. Adsorption is a fast process that attains equilibrium in about 5min. The variation of the peaks maxima (I₅₉₂ and I₆₁₆, for europium, and I₄₉₀ and I₅₄₅, for terbium) with the total ion concentration is accounted for by the sum of the contributions due to the adsorbed and free ions. The former contribution is langmuirian. At pH 4.5, the respective adsorption constants are 5×10⁵ and 3×10⁵M^-1, and the maximum adsorption capacities are 5.10×10^-4 and 5.23×10^-4molg^-1. The mismatch between the latter values and the number of attached carboxylic groups is discussed. Comparison with other functionalized mesoporous silicas indicates that the anchored succinic groups are very efficient for removing lanthanide ions from aqueous solutions.

Efficient Removal of Anionic Radioactive Pollutant from Water Using Ordered Urea-Functionalized Mesoporous Polymeric Nanoparticle

A urea-functionalized ordered mesoporous polymeric nanoparticle for removing the perrhenate anion ReO₄^- as the surrogate of the particularly intractable anion radioactive pollutant TcO₄^- was demonstrated in the present study. This nanomaterial (denoted as urea-MPN) was produced for the first time by a surfactant-directed urea-phenol-formaldehyde resol oligomers self-assembly protocol under hydrothermal condition. The obtained urea-MPN possessed the uniform nanosized spherical morphology with a 3D interconnected ordered cubic mesoporous structure. Also, the urea functional groups were succefully embedded in the polymer framework without the alteration of the molecular configuration. Meanwhile, it exhibited excellent β radiation resistance up to 200 kGy dose. We employed the perrhenate anion ReO₄^- to test its potential for the removal of anionic radioactive pollutant TcO₄^- from water. Interestingly, the optimized urea-MPN nanocomposite achieved the high removal efficiency at a low concentration of 0.25 mM within a short contact time of 30 min. The control experimental results revealed that the short nanoscale pore channels and the hydrophobic mesopore surface facilitated the hydrogen-bonding interaction between the charge-diffuse ReO₄^- tetrahedral oxoanion and the urea moieties in the framework of urea-MPN, accounting for the rapid and effective removal performance in pure water. Importantly, it can selectively capture ReO₄^- in the presence of different competitive anions including NO₃^-, CO₃^2-, SO₄^2-, and PO₄^3-. This attractive capability of this unique nanosized mesoporous polymeric sorbent will pave the way for the diverse applications in the decontamination of nuclear wastes in a more economical and sustainable manner.

Large-Pore 3D Cubic Mesoporous (KIT-6) Hybrid Bearing a Hard-Soft Donor Combined Ligand for Enhancing U(VI) Capture: An Experimental and Theoretical Investigation

A preorganized tetradentate phenanthrolineamide (DAPhen) ligand with hard and soft donors combined in the same molecule has been found to possess high extraction ability toward actinides over lanthanides from acidic aqueous solution in our previous work. Herein we grafted phenanthrolineamide groups onto a large-pore three-dimensional cubic silica support by the reaction of DAPhen siloxane with KIT-6 substrate to prepare a novel uranium-selective sorbent, KIT-6-DAPhen. The as-synthesized sorbent was well-characterized by scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, N₂ adsorption/desorption, X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, ¹³C cross-polarization magic-angle spinning NMR, and TGA techniques, which confirmed the consummation of the functionalization. Subsequently, the effects of contact time, solution pH, initial U(VI) concentration, and the presence of competing metal ions on the U(VI) sorption onto KIT-6-DAPhen sorbent were investigated in detail. It was found that KIT-6-DAPhen showed largely enhanced sorption capacity and excellent selectivity toward U(VI). The maximum sorption capacity of KIT-6-DAPhen at pH 5.0 reaches 328 mg of U/g of sorbent, which is superior to most of functionalized mesoporous silica materials. Density functional theory coupled with quasi-relativistic small-core pseudopotentials was used to explore the sorption interaction between U(VI) and KIT-6-DAPhen, which gives a sorption reaction of KIT-6-DAPhen + [UO₂(H₂O)₅]²⁺ + NO₃^- ⇄ [UO₂(KIT-6-DAPhen)(NO₃)]⁺ + 5H₂O. The findings of the present work provide new clues for developing new actinide sorbents by combining new ligands with various mesoporous matrixes.

Organic layer formation and sorption of U(vi) on acetamide diethylphosphonate-functionalized mesoporous silica

Solid-state NMR is used to connect the molecular structure of acetamide phosphonate-functionalized mesoporous silica with its macroscopic U(vi) extraction properties.

Rapid and efficient treatment of wastewater with high-concentration heavy metals using a new type of hydrogel-based adsorption process

In this study, a new type of double-network hydrogel sorbent was developed to remove heavy metals in wastewater. The amino-functionalized Starch/PAA hydrogel (NH2-Starch/PAA) could be conducted in a wide pH and the adsorption process could rapidly achieve the equilibrium. The adsorption capacity got to 256.4mg/g for Cd(II). Resultantly, even though Cd(II) concentration was as high as 180mg/L, the Cd(II) could be entirely removed using 1g/L sorbent. Furthermore, the desirable mechanical durability of the adsorbent allowed easy separation and reusability. In the fixed-bed column experiments, the treatment volume of the effluent with a high Cd(II) concentration of 200mg/L reached 2400BV (27.1L) after eight times cycle. The NH2-Starch/PAA overcame the deficiency of conventional sorbents that could not effectively treat the wastewater with relatively high metal concentrations. This work provides a new insight into omnidirectional enhancement of sorbents for removing high-concentration heavy metals in wastewater.

Loading Actinides in Multilayered Structures for Nuclear Waste Treatment: The First Case Study of Uranium Capture with Vanadium Carbide MXene

Efficient nuclear waste treatment and environmental management are important hurdles that need to be overcome if nuclear energy is to become more widely used. Herein, we demonstrate the first case of using two-dimensional (2D) multilayered V2CTx nanosheets prepared by HF etching of V2AlC to remove actinides from aqueous solutions. The V2CTx material is found to be a highly efficient uranium (U(VI)) sorbent, evidenced by a high uptake capacity of 174 mg g(-1), fast sorption kinetics, and desirable selectivity. Fitting of the sorption isotherm indicated that the sorption followed a heterogeneous adsorption model, most probably due to the presence of heterogeneous adsorption sites. Density functional theory calculations, in combination with X-ray absorption fine structure characterizations, suggest that the uranyl ions prefer to coordinate with hydroxyl groups bonded to the V-sites of the nanosheets via forming bidentate inner-sphere complexes.

Extraction of Lanthanide and Actinide Ions from Aqueous Mixtures Using a Carboxylic Acid-Functionalized Porous Aromatic Framework

Porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) incorporating a high concentration of acid functional groups possess characteristics that are promising for use in separating lanthanide and actinide metal ions, as required in the treatment of radioactive waste. These materials have been shown to be indefinitely stable to concentrated acids and bases, potentially allowing for multiple adsorption/stripping cycles. Additionally, the PAFs combine exceptional features from MOFs and inorganic/activated carbons giving rise to tunable pore surfaces and maximum chemical stability. Herein, we present a study of the adsorption of selected metal ions, Sr(2+), Fe(3+), Nd(3+), and Am(3+), from aqueous solutions employing a carbon-based porous aromatic framework, BPP-7 (Berkeley Porous Polymer-7). This material displays high metal loading capacities together with excellent adsorption selectivity for neodymium over strontium based on Langmuir adsorption isotherms and ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) calculations. Based in part upon X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies, the stronger adsorption of neodymium is attributed to multiple metal ion and binding site interactions resulting from the densely functionalized and highly interpenetrated structure of BPP-7. Recyclability and combustibility experiments demonstrate that multiple adsorption/stripping cycles can be completed with minimal degradation of the polymer adsorption capacity.

New short-channel SBA-15 mesoporous silicas functionalized with polyazamacrocyclic ligands for selective capturing of palladium ions in HNO3 media

Novel polyazamacrocyclic ligand decorated short-channel mesoporous silicas with the ability to selectively capture palladium ions in HNO₃ solutions.

Functionalization of mesoporous materials for lanthanide and actinide extraction

Recent advances in the field of functionalized mesoporous solid-phase sorbents designed for rare earth element and actinide separation/concentration could provide answers to limitations occurring in the industrial separation processes of these critical elements.

Development and Testing of Diglycolamide Functionalized Mesoporous Silica for Sorption of Trivalent Actinides and Lanthanides

Sequestration of trivalent actinides and lanthanides present in used nuclear fuel and legacy wastes is necessary for appropriate long-term stewardship of these metals, particularly to prevent their release into the environment. Organically modified mesoporous silica is an efficient material for recovery and potential subsequent separation of actinides and lanthanides because of its high surface area, tunable ligand selection, and chemically robust substrate. We have synthesized the first novel hybrid material composed of SBA-15 type mesoporous silica functionalized with diglycolamide ligands (DGA-SBA). Because of the high surface area substrate, the DGA-SBA was found to have the highest Eu capacity reported so far in the literature of all DGA solid-phase extractants. The sorption behavior of europium and americium on DGA-SBA in nitric and hydrochloric acid media was tested in batch contact experiments. DGA-SBA was found to have high sorption of Am and Eu in pH 1, 1 M, and 3 M nitric and hydrochloric acid concentrations, which makes it promising for sequestration of these metals from used nuclear fuel or legacy waste. The kinetics of Eu sorption were found to be two times slower than that for Am in 1 M HNO3. Additionally, the short-term susceptibility of DGA-SBA to degradation in the presence of acid was probed using (29)Si and (13)C solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The material was found to be relatively stable under these conditions, with the ligand remaining intact after 24 h of contact with 1 M HNO3, an important consideration in use of the DGA-SBA as an extractant from acidic media.