Poly(amidoxime) functionalized MoS2 for efficient adsorption of uranium(VI) in aqueous solutions

A novel adsorbent for enrichment of trace uranium (U(VI)) ions in aqueous solution is designed based on the excellent adsorption capacity of poly(amidoxime) (PAO) and the excellent chemical properties of MoS2. Specifically, PAO/MoS2 is prepared by plasma induced polymerization of acrylonitrile on MoS2 surfaces, followed by amidoximation treatment with NH2OH. This as-prepared PAO/MoS2 was applied as adsorbent for the separation of U(VI) from aqueous solutions. The modified PAO enhance greatly the adsorption capability of MoS2 for U(VI) in aqueous solutions. PAO/MoS2 presents excellent selectivity for U(VI) in aqueous solution, suggesting PAO/MoS2 can separate U(VI) with high selectivity.