Functionalization of clay surface for the removal of uranium from water
Li Bao,
Fuyu Guo,
Hanrui Wang,
Steven L. Larson,
John H. Ballard,
Heather M. Knotek-Smith,
Qinku Zhang,
Jing Nie,
Ahmet Celik,
Saiful M. Islam,
Shalom Dasari,
Naiming Zhang,
Fengxiang Han
Affiliations
Li Bao
Department of Chemistry, Physics and Atmospheric Science, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA; Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
Fuyu Guo
Department of Chemistry, Physics and Atmospheric Science, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA
Hanrui Wang
Department of Chemistry, Physics and Atmospheric Science, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA
Steven L. Larson
U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS 39180-6199, USA
John H. Ballard
U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS 39180-6199, USA
Heather M. Knotek-Smith
U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS 39180-6199, USA
Qinku Zhang
Department of Chemistry, Physics and Atmospheric Science, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA
Jing Nie
Department of Chemistry, Physics and Atmospheric Science, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA
Ahmet Celik
Department of Chemistry, Physics and Atmospheric Science, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA
Saiful M. Islam
Department of Chemistry, Physics and Atmospheric Science, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA
Shalom Dasari
Department of Chemistry, Physics and Atmospheric Science, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA
Naiming Zhang
Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
Fengxiang Han
Department of Chemistry, Physics and Atmospheric Science, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA; Corresponding author.
A modification method of clay mineral surface was developed to improve its adsorption capacity of uranium. Uranium is a radionuclide with high toxicity and extremely long half-life, which can pollute the environment and endanger human health. This study proposes a new method of activation of clay mineral surface with phosphoric acid for rapid adsorption of uranium from aqueous solution. Compared with other modification methods, this method has the advantages of availability of raw materials, simple operation and good adsorption effects. It provides a cost-effective material to capture uranium ions from water. The essences of this new development are as following:• Activation and changes of clay minerals’ surface functionalities with the treatment of phosphoric acid• Controlled modifications of the surface properties of the clay towards the enhancement of U adsorption capacity• Rapid removal of uranium from water
