One-Pot Environmentally Friendly Synthesis of Nanomaterials Based on Phytate-Coated Fe₃O₄ Nanoparticles for Efficient Removal of the Radioactive Metal Ions ⁹⁰Sr, ⁹⁰Y and (UO₂)²⁺ from Water

Abstract

We report the fast (three minutes) synthesis of green nanoparticles based on nanoparticles coated with the natural organic receptor phytate for the recognition and capture of 90Sr, 90Y, and (UO2)2+. The new material shows excellent retention for (UO2)2+, 97%; these values were 73% and 100% for 90Sr and 90Y, respectively. Recovery of the three radioactive metal ions occurs through a non-competitive process. The new hybrid material is harmless, easy to prepare, and immobilizes these radioactive contaminants in water with great efficiency.

Keywords

• adsorption removal
• radioactive metal ions
• magnetite nanoparticles
• phytate
• one-pot synthesis
• water contamination