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

The efficient separation and subsequent recovery of uranium from radioactive effluents plays a vital role in safeguarding ecosystems and supporting the long-term viability of nuclear power technologies. Electrosorption is noteworthy for its energy efficiency and environmental compatibility. A novel phosphate-functionalized porous organic polymer/molybdenum disulfide/biochar (PC/MoS₂-PPN) composite electrode was synthesized by the carbonization from pod shell, hydrothermal growth of molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) and the subsequent introduction of phosphorylated polymer for enhanced U(VI) electrosorption. The resulting PC/MoS₂-PPN electrode exhibited a significantly improved specific capacitance (39.19 F/g) and low charge transfer resistance (1.4 Ω). Under optimal conditions (pH = 4.5, applied voltage = 1.2 V), the electrode demonstrated significant electrosorption capacity (407.64 mg/g), far surpassing that of the non-functionalized PC/MoS₂ (147.15 mg/g). The electrosorption process followed the Langmuir model and pseudo-second-order model, and the removal efficiency remained at 86.27% after five cycles. The efficient U(VI) electro-trapping by PC/MoS₂-PPN electrode was attributed not only to the formation of the bilayer, but also to the complexation of P-O/P=O groups and sulfur vacancies on the PC/MoS₂-PPN electrode. This work presents an innovative and scalable pathway for electrochemically eliminating U(VI) from wastewater.