Magnetically assisted uranyl removal by using magnetic hydroxyapatite nanocomposite

Abstract

Magnetic hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (Fe3O4/HAP) are prepared in the present work to remove uranyl ions via copercipitation method for the first time. The sorbent was prepared with the weight ratio of magnetic nanoparticles to hydroxyapatite (Fe3O4/HAP) as (1:1), (1:2), (1:3), and (1:5). After finding physical, chemical, and magnetic features, their ability to absorb uranyl ions was examined via UV-Vis method, measuring the absorbance of element complex with arsenazo (III). The effects of parameters such as temperature, pH, contact time, rate of the adsorbent, the concentration of uranyl, and the effects of interference of other ions on the removal of uranyl were analyzed. Also, the experiments showed that the highest rate of uranyl was absorbed by using 0.015 g Fe3O4/HAP (1:5) during 150 min at pH equal to 7. The prepared nanoparticles in 17±2 nm could absorb uranyl in the concentration range of 0.2-100 ppm, eliminating over 96% of uranyl. The absorbing capability of 99.82 mg/g was obtained at 25°C. The results indicate the high potential of the prepared nano-particles in absorbing and eliminating uranyl and show its capability in the waste water containing uranyl.

Keywords

• uranyl
• magnetic nanoparticles
• hydroxyapatite