Combining Electrosorption and Electrochemical Reduction Mechanisms for Uranium Removal Using 1,2,3,4-Butane...

Extracting uranium from nuclear wastewater is vital for environmental and human health protection. However, despite progress in uranium extraction, there remains a demand for an optimized adsorbent with improved capability, efficiency, and selectivity. To bridge this gap, 1,2,3,4-butane tetracarboxylic acid (BTCA)-modified MIL-101 was synthesized through a simple hydrothermal reaction between amino-modified MIL-101 (MIL-101-NH₂) and BTCA. Density Functional Theory calculations validated the formation of stable coordination bonds and a hydrogen bond network, bolstering the adsorption capacity. To further enhance this capacity, the influence of an electric field on adsorption performance was investigated. Studies revealed that uranyl ion removal under an electric field involves both electrosorption and electroreduction pathways. This dual mechanism not only significantly increases the adsorption capacity from 221.1 mg g^-1 to 331.4 mg g^-1 but also improves the adsorption efficiency. These insights not only enhance our understanding of effective uranium removal but also foster the development of sustainable, ecofriendly technologies in the nuclear energy field.