Synthesis and characterization of a new surface modified Amberlite-7HP resin by nano-iron oxide (Fe3O4) and its application for uranyl ions separation

A new sorbent Amberlite-7HP modified by the nanoFe(3)O(4) (7HPNFeO) formed by surface modification of Amberlite-7 HP using iron oxide magnetic nano-particles which was prepared by precipitation of iron(II) and iron(III) ions in an aqueous solution. The prepared particles have been characterized with transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray/scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, and infrared techniques. The sorption kinetics of U(VI) obeyed pseudo second-order and fitted to the intra-particle diffusion model. The sorption isotherms can be correlated to Langmuir isotherm with monolayer capacity of 47.169 mg/g. The breakthrough data obtained by column studies then utilized to model it with Thomas model and to estimate the loading capacity of U(VI) under the specified column conditions. The interfering effect of various anion and cations on the sorption process was examined. Oxalic acid was found suitable for U(VI) separation from the interfering ions Co(II), Cd(II), and Zr(IV) in aqueous solution. Results obtained showed that 7HPNFeO is a promising and effective sorbent and could be used in real samples for safeguard verification purposes.