Interaction between U(VI) with sulfhydryl groups functionalized graphene oxides investigated by batch and...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Uranium (U(VI)) contamination in aqueous solutions poses significant environmental and health risks.
• Developing efficient and stable sorbent materials is crucial for uranium removal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel 4-aminothiophenol functionalized graphene oxide composite (GO-SH).
• To evaluate the sorption capacity and kinetics of GO-SH for U(VI) removal from aqueous solutions.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of GO-SH via a facile reaction route.
• Batch experiments to determine sorption capacity and kinetics.
• Characterization using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and infrared (IR) analysis.

Main Results:

• GO-SH exhibited a maximum sorption capacity of 281.69 mg·g⁻¹ for U(VI) at pH 5.5 and 298 K, following the Langmuir model.
• Sorption kinetics best fitted the pseudo-second-order model.
• XPS and IR analysis confirmed sulfhydryl groups facilitate U(VI) sorption via surface complexation.

Conclusions:

• The GO-SH composite demonstrates excellent stability and reusability.
• GO-SH is a highly effective sorbent for the efficient removal of U(VI) from aqueous solutions.