Synthesis of molybdenum disulfide/graphene oxide composites for effective removal of U (VI) from aqueous solutions

In this study, a novel adsorbents, molybdenum disulfide-graphene oxide (MoS2-GO) composites, is prepared by one-step hydrothermal method and used for U (VI) adsorption. SEM, XRD, FT-IR, BET and XPS results show that the MoS2 layers grow on the surface of graphene oxide layers, forming MoS2-GO composite structure. The specific surfaces area of MoS2-GO composite (5.5 m(2)/g) is higher than that of MoS2 (2.3 m(2)/g). Batch adsorption experiments indicate that the adsorption process of uranium (VI) on MoS2-GO conforms to the quasi-second-order kinetic model and the adsorption isotherm accords with Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacity calculated by Langmuir model is 136 mg center dot g(-1) at pH 5.0 and 298 K. Meanwhile, MoS2-rGO displays excellent selectivity for U (VI) in multicomponent metal ion solution. The increasement in specific surface area and the introduction of GO that rich in O-containing groups, provide more accessible binding sites for U (VI), which greatly enhance its uranium uptake capability. This work shows the potential of MoS2-GO as novel and promising materials in the efficient elimination of U (VI) from contaminated water and industrial effluents.

Automated summary

In this study, a novel MoS2-GO composite material was prepared and used for U (VI) adsorption. The results showed that MoS2-GO had a higher specific surface area and exhibited excellent selectivity for U (VI), greatly enhancing its uranium uptake capability.