Synthesis and characterization of ammonium molybdophosphate– silica nano-composite (AMP–SiO2) as a prospective sorbent for the separation of ~(137)Cs from nuclear waste

摘要

The ammonium molybdophosphate–silica (AMP–SiO_2) nano-composites were prepared by sol–gel method. The material synthesized was nanocrystalline, with average crystallite size of primary particles in the range of 10–25 nm. Small angle X-ray scattering showed presence of mass fractal aggregates made of small particles with rough pore boundaries. To realize the scope of using AMP–SiO_2 nano-composites sorbent for removal of ~(137)Cs from nuclear waste solutions, its adsorption characteristics for cesium were evaluated. It was found that the AMP– SiO_2 nanocomposites were amenable for column operation, have high affinity for Cs, and possess very high adsorption capacity for Cs. From the perspective of separation of ~(137)Cs from acidic radioactive waste solution, AMP–SiO_2 nanocomposite holds significant promise.