Enhanced marine applicability of adsorbent for uranium via synergy of hyperbranched poly(amido amine) and amidoxime groups

Uranium extraction from seawater has attracted attention owing to the growing demand for nuclear energy. However, it remains challenging because of the complexities of the marine environment, such as competing metal ions, high salinity, alkaline pH (8.3), and continuous biofouling. In this study, a new hyperbranched poly (amido amine)-modified adsorbent (PAO-h-PAMAM) was prepared by a simple hydrothermal method. The synergistic effect of hyperbranched poly(amido amine) and amidoxime groups not only endows the adsorbent with good adsorption performance and selectivity towards uranium ions but also adjusts the optimal adsorption pH of amino-functionalized adsorbents to suit the marine environment. Moreover, PAO-h-PAMAM exhibits an excellent antibacterial activity (96.5%) against marine bacteria and retains its adsorption performance well in multiple adsorption-desorption cycles. In view of its good adsorption performance, excellent antibacterial activity, and marine applicability, the PAO-h-PAMAM adsorbent is a promising candidate for uranium extraction from seawater.