High-Capacity Amidoxime-Functionalized β-Cyclodextrin/Graphene Aerogel for Selective Uranium Capture.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Growing global energy demands necessitate efficient uranium extraction from abundant seawater resources.
• Conventional methods face challenges in selectivity, capacity, and regeneration for effective uranium recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly efficient and selective adsorbent for uranium extraction from seawater.
• To investigate the performance of a novel functionalized graphene aerogel in uranium recovery.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of an amidoxime-functionalized carboxymethyl β-cyclodextrin/graphene aerogel (GDC) using a one-pot hydrothermal process.
• Adsorption experiments to determine equilibrium time, adsorption capacity, selectivity, and reusability.
• Mechanical testing to assess the aerogel's structural integrity.

Main Results:

• The GDC aerogel achieved adsorption equilibrium within 1 hour.
• Maximum adsorption capacity reached 654.2 mg/g (Langmuir model).
• Demonstrated excellent selectivity in the presence of competing ions and oil pollutants, with 87.3% reusability after 10 cycles.

Conclusions:

• The developed GDC aerogel offers a promising solution for efficient and selective uranium extraction from seawater.
• Its high adsorption capacity, selectivity, mechanical integrity, and reusability make it suitable for practical applications.
• This advancement contributes to sustainable energy solutions by enabling effective utilization of marine uranium resources.