Carbamoylmethylphosphine Oxide-Functionalized MIL-101(Cr) as Highly Selective Uranium Adsorbent

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Radiochemistry

Background:

• Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer tunable properties for adsorption.
• Uranium contamination poses environmental and health risks.
• Selective adsorbents are crucial for nuclear waste remediation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate carbamoylmethylphosphine oxide (CMPO)-functionalized MIL-101(Cr) as a uranium scavenger.
• To assess the adsorbent's selectivity, kinetics, regenerability, and reusability.
• To investigate the stability of the adsorbent in acidic aqueous environments.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of CMPO-functionalized MIL-101(Cr).
• Adsorption studies in batch and dynamic (column) modes.
• Selectivity tests against rare earth metals.
• Regeneration and reusability experiments using oxalate solution.

Main Results:

• High selectivity for uranium and thorium over rare earth metals.
• Rapid adsorption kinetics observed in both batch and column setups.
• Complete regenerability and reusability over five cycles with 100% recovery at pH 4.
• Demonstrated stability in acidic aqueous conditions.

Conclusions:

• CMPO-functionalized MIL-101(Cr) is a highly effective and stable adsorbent for uranium.
• The material exhibits excellent selectivity and rapid adsorption/desorption kinetics.
• Its regenerability and reusability make it a promising candidate for environmental remediation applications.