Phosphate functionalized layered double hydroxides (phos-LDH) for ultrafast and efficient U(VI) uptake from polluted...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Chemistry

Background:

• Uranium(VI) contamination poses significant risks to human health and ecosystems.
• Effective and economical methods for uranium removal are crucial for environmental safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a low-cost, highly efficient adsorbent for uranium(VI) removal.
• To investigate the adsorption mechanism and performance of the novel material.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of 3D flower-like phosphate-functionalized layered double hydroxides (phos-LDH) via a one-pot hydrothermal method.
• Characterization of phos-LDH structure, surface area, and adsorption properties (kinetics, isotherms, thermodynamics).
• Analysis of adsorption mechanisms using FTIR and XPS, and evaluation of selectivity in competitive solutions.

Main Results:

• Phos-LDH exhibited a high specific surface area (203.4 m²⋅g⁻¹) and rapid U(VI) adsorption equilibrium (15 min).
• Adsorption followed Langmuir model with a remarkable capacity of 923.1 mg⋅g⁻¹ at 298 K.
• Thermodynamic data indicated spontaneous, endothermic adsorption, driven by electrostatic attraction and complexation with hydroxyl and phosphate groups.

Conclusions:

• Phos-LDH demonstrates excellent efficiency, capacity, and selectivity for U(VI) removal.
• The material's properties make it a viable candidate for practical wastewater treatment applications.
• This research offers a sustainable approach to mitigating uranium pollution.