Removal of Uranium From Aqueous Solution by Carbon Nanotubes

The adsorption of uranium onto carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was investigated. The effect of solution pH, contact time, initial uranium concentration, and temperature on the adsorption capacity of uranium was determined. CNTs were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), powder x-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectra, and the Fourier infrared spectra (FTIR). The diameters of the CNTs varied from 10 to 50 nm in diameter and 1 similar to 2 m in length. FTIR spectra analysis indicated that carboxyl groups were involved in adsorption of U(VI) by CNTs. The experimental results showed that U(VI) adsorption onto CNTs reached equilibrium within 10 min, and the removal efficiency was 95% at pH = 5. The adsorption kinetics of U(VI) could be described by a pseudo first-order kinetic model. The adsorption isotherm conformed to the Slips model. The adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic.