Removal of uranium(vi) from aqueous solutions by surface modified magnetic Fe3O4 particles

Abstract

We prepared surface modified magnetic Fe₃O₄ particles (Fe₃O₄@APTMS) which could efficiently remove uranium(VI) ions from aqueous solutions. Batch experiments have been conducted to study the effects of initial pH, adsorbent dosage, shaking time and temperature on uranium sorption efficiency. It is found that the maximum adsorption capacity of Fe₃O₄@APTMS toward uranium(VI) is 151.80 mg g⁻¹, displaying a high efficiency for the removal of uranium(VI) ions. The metal-loaded Fe₃O₄@APTMS particles could be recovered readily from aqueous solution by magnetic separation and regenerated easily by alkali treatment. The present study suggests that magnetic Fe₃O₄@APTMS composite particles can be used as an effective and recyclable adsorbent for the removal of uranium(VI) from aqueous solutions.