Vanadium-Oxide-Functionalized GO for Highly Efficient Capture and Immobilization of Uranium
Shuwen Wang1, Yanrong Lai1, Jiacheng Min2
1School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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This study developed a low-cost approach for recycling graphite from spent Li-ion batteries into a vanadium-oxide-functionalized graphene oxide (VrG) composite, demonstrating a high efficacy in extracting U(VI) from wastewater. The VrG composite exhibited a maximum U(VI) adsorption capacity of 232.7 mg/g at pH 4.0 and 298 K. This composite also showed good selectivity, even amidst various competing ions. Moreover, the composite demonstrated a very high stability. Its U(VI) removal efficiency decreased by merely 2.3% over five adsorption-desorption cycles and retained a removal efficiency of approximately 83% after intense γ-ray irradiation. The structural characteristics and distinctive surface functional groups of VrG were identified as crucial determinants for its efficient uranium recovery. DFT calculations elucidated the role of coordination interactions and electrostatic attraction in the adsorption of U(VI) with VrG. Overall, this approach converts waste into a high-performance, recyclable adsorbent for U(VI) recovery, offering a sustainable solution for wastewater remediation.
