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Efficient electrosorption of uranyl ions by a homemade amidoxime‐modified carbon paper‐based electrode in acidic aqueous condition
Author(s) -
Pan Meng,
Zhang Dongxiang,
Xu Xiyan,
Reda Alemtsehay Tesfay,
Li Jinying
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of chemical technology and biotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1097-4660
pISSN - 0268-2575
DOI - 10.1002/jctb.6847
Subject(s) - uranyl , electrode , chemistry , aqueous solution , electrochemistry , inorganic chemistry , uranium , square wave , ion , nuclear chemistry , materials science , voltage , organic chemistry , physics , quantum mechanics , metallurgy
BACKGROUND Electrosorption efficiency for uranyl ion (UO 2 2+ ) capture is low in acid solution due to the adverse effect caused by protons. This requires novel electrodes effective at acid conditions for UO 2 2+ electrosorption in highly acidic industrial effluents such as spent nuclear fuel treatment. RESULTS In the current study, UO 2 2+ electrosorption was conducted using an amidoxime‐modified carbon paper (CP‐AO) electrode. The effects of voltage and frequency, pH, UO 2 2+ initial concentration, and competing ions on UO 2 2+ electrosorption were investigated. The reusability and electrochemical properties of the CP‐AO electrode were studied. The experimental results showed that the current CP‐AO electrode worked well in acidic conditiona (pH = 3) with a square wave periodic voltage (SWPV, −4 V, 1000 Hz), and outperformed a previously used carbon felt‐based electrode. The CP‐AO electrode showed considerable selectivity toward UO 2 2+ in the presence of competitive ions. After seven rounds of continuous electrosorption–desorption, the CP‐AO electrode still showed good UO 2 2+ uptake efficiency. The electrosorption mechanisms were studied in‐depth based on experimental and characterization results. The electrosorption of UO 2 2+ by the CP‐AO electrode was due mainly to the electric field force moving UO 2 2+ to the surface of the electrode, leading to electrodeposition of uranium compounds and the formation of electrically neutral substances. CONCLUSIONS The results indicated that based on SWPV electrosorption the CP‐AO could be a desirable treatment approach for acidic uranium‐containing wastewater with promising practical applications.