Electro-trapping uranium(VI) by ternary phosphate-functionalized polymer / molybdenum disulfide / pod shell-derived...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Efficient uranium (U(VI)) separation from radioactive effluents is crucial for environmental protection and nuclear energy sustainability.
• Electrosorption presents an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly method for radionuclide removal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel phosphate-functionalized porous organic polymer/molybdenum disulfide/biochar (PC/MoS2-PPN) composite electrode.
• To evaluate the electrosorption performance of the PC/MoS2-PPN electrode for U(VI) removal from aqueous solutions.

Main Methods:

• The PC/MoS2-PPN composite electrode was synthesized using pod shell carbonization, hydrothermal MoS2 growth, and phosphorylated polymer introduction.
• Electrosorption experiments were conducted under varying conditions (pH, applied voltage) to determine optimal parameters.
• Electrochemical characterization included specific capacitance and charge transfer resistance measurements.

Main Results:

• The PC/MoS2-PPN electrode exhibited a high specific capacitance (39.19 F/g) and low charge transfer resistance (1.4 Ω).
• Optimal electrosorption capacity reached 407.64 mg/g at pH 4.5 and 1.2 V, significantly exceeding the non-functionalized electrode (147.15 mg/g).
• The electrosorption process followed Langmuir and pseudo-second-order models, with 86.27% removal efficiency maintained after five cycles.

Conclusions:

• The PC/MoS2-PPN composite electrode demonstrates superior performance for U(VI) electrosorption due to bilayer formation and complexation with P-O/P=O groups and sulfur vacancies.
• This study presents an innovative and scalable electrochemical method for U(VI) removal from wastewater, contributing to safer nuclear technology and environmental remediation.