Study on adsorption of U(VI) from MOF-derived phosphorylated porous carbons

Synthesizing highly efficient adsorbent materials to remove U(VI) from contaminated water remains a major challenge. Here, using UiO66-NH2 as a sacrificial template, porous carbons (ZrO2@PCs) were prepared by high-temperature calcination, and then a simple strategy was used for phosphorylation modification to prepare the target product ZrO2@PCs-PO4. The microscopic surface morphology and structure of ZrO2@PCs-PO4 characterized by SEM, FT-IR and XRD reveals that phosphate groups has been successful introduced on the surface of ZrO2@PCs-PO4. Batch experimentation showed that the phosphorylation process improves the adsorption behaviors, and the maximum monolayer adsorption capacity for U(VI) is 496.5 mg/g. The adsorption isotherms and kinetics were simulated to explore its adsorption mechanism. The excellent selectivity and reusability ensure this material could apply in selective removal of U(VI) ions.

Automated summary

By phosphorylation modification, ZrO2@PCs-PO4 with high monolayer adsorption capacity for U(VI) ions was successfully prepared, showing potential for efficient removal of U(VI) from contaminated water. The surface morphology and structure of the material were characterized, and adsorption mechanism was explored through adsorption isotherms and kinetics studies.