Synthesis of a novel silica-based macroporous HNA/SiO2-P adsorbent and its adsorption behavior for uranium from aqueous solutions

摘要

In order to separate and pre-concentrate uranium from aqueous phase, a novel silica-based adsorbent was prepared by impregnating nalidixic acid (HNA) into a macroreticular silica/polymer composite support (SiO2-P) with a mean diameter of 60 mu m. Adsorption behavior of uranium from aqueous solution onto the adsorbent was studied. Experimental results indicated that HNA/SiO2-P showed strong adsorption for uranium in a wide range of pH from 3.5 to 10.0, and the maximum adsorption capacity was 35.4 mg g(-1). In addition, HNA/SiO2-P exhibited good selectivity for U(VI) and showed weak or bare adsorption affinity to foreign ions. Kinetic and isotherm of uranium adsorption were in accordance with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm adsorption model, respectively. Moreover, U(VI) sorption was found to be an endothermic reaction and spontaneous under experimental state. The synthesized adsorbent showed an admirable stability at lower pH values in aqueous solution.