Mechanochemical Sulfidated Microscale Zero-Valent Iron for Uranium Immobilization: Accelerated Electron Transfer and...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Chemistry

Background:

• Microscale zerovalent iron (mZVI) is a cost-effective material for uranium wastewater treatment.
• The reactivity of mZVI is limited by its passive oxide shell.
• Developing enhanced mZVI materials is crucial for efficient uranium remediation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare sulfidated microscale zerovalent iron (S-mZVI^bm) using ball milling.
• To investigate the efficacy of S-mZVI^bm in treating uranium wastewater.
• To understand the mechanism behind the enhanced performance of S-mZVI^bm.

Main Methods:

• Ball milling technique for S-mZVI^bm preparation.
• Surface characterization and theoretical calculations.
• Batch experiments for uranium removal efficiency and kinetics.

Main Results:

• S-mZVI^bm features a sulfide layer replacing the oxide layer, enhancing uranium coordination and electron transfer.
• S-mZVI^bm exhibits a lower work function, indicating improved electron-donating potential.
• S-mZVI^bm achieved a 90.0% uranium removal efficiency in 5 hours, significantly outperforming mZVI.

Conclusions:

• S-mZVI^bm is a highly effective material for uranium wastewater treatment.
• The sulfidation process enhances the reactivity and electron transfer capabilities of mZVI.
• This study provides a promising ZVI-based technology for uranium remediation.