Synthesis and characterization of surface ion-imprinted polymer based on SiO2-coated graphene oxide for selective adsorption of uranium(VI)

A novel surface ion-imprinted polymer based on graphene oxide for the selective adsorption of U(VI) has been synthesized. The resultant adsorbent was characterized by FT-IR, SEM, TGA and Raman spectroscopy. The adsorption behaviors of U(VI) onto the imprinted polymer were investigated as functions of pH, contact time, temperature and initial U(VI) concentration by batch experiments. A fast adsorption kinetics was clearly observed and the selectivity study revealed that the U(VI)-imprinted polymer exhibited excellent selectivity and good affinity to U(VI) in the presence of competitive ions. Meanwhile, the prepared imprinted polymer showed good reusability and stability.