One-step etching-functionalization of MXene with preserved structural integrity for ultrahigh uranium extraction

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• MXene materials offer unique properties for adsorption applications.
• Efficient uranium recovery from aqueous solutions is critical for nuclear fuel cycles and environmental remediation.
• Existing methods for uranium extraction often face challenges with material stability and scalability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a one-step strategy for etching and functionalizing MXene.
• To create a self-supporting membrane with enhanced uranium adsorption capabilities.
• To evaluate the performance and stability of the functionalized MXene membrane for uranium recovery.

Main Methods:

• A one-step etching-functionalization process was employed on MXene.
• Sulfonic groups were grafted onto the MXene structure, preserving its integrity.
• The resulting functionalized MXene was fabricated into a self-supporting membrane (TCS membrane).
• Uranium extraction efficiency and adsorption capacity were measured.
• The membrane's reusability and capacity retention were tested over ten cycles.

Main Results:

• The strategy successfully grafted active sulfonic groups onto MXene while maintaining structural integrity.
• The self-supporting TCS membrane achieved a high uranium extraction capacity of 3576.3 mg g^-1.
• The membrane retained 86% of its initial adsorption capacity after ten cycles of uranium recovery.
• The process offers a scalable route for efficient uranium recovery.

Conclusions:

• The developed one-step etching-functionalization strategy is effective for creating high-performance MXene-based adsorbents.
• The TCS membrane demonstrates excellent uranium adsorption capacity and cyclic stability.
• This approach provides a promising and scalable solution for efficient uranium recovery from aqueous environments.