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Sorption of uranium on magnetite nanoparticles

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Abstract

Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticle was synthesized using a solid state mechanochemical method and used for studying the sorption of uranium(VI) from aqueous solution onto the nanomaterial. The synthesized product is characterized using SEM, XRD and XPS. The particles were found to be largely agglomerated. XPS analysis showed that Fe(II)/Fe(III) ratio of the product is 0.58. Sorption of uranium on the synthesized nanomaterials was studied as a function of various operational parameters such as pH, initial metal ion concentration, ionic strength and contact time. pH studies showed that uranium sorption on magnetite is maximum in neutral solution. Uranium sorption onto magnetite showed two step kinetics, an initial fast sorption completing in 4–6 h followed by a slow uptake extending to several days. XPS analysis of the nanoparticle after sorption of uranium showed presence of the reduced species U(IV) on the nanoparticle surface. Fe(II)/Fe(III) ratio of the nanoparticle after uranium sorption was found to be 0.48, lower than the initial value indicating that some of the ferrous ion might be oxidized in the presence of uranium(VI). Uranium sorption studies were also conducted with effluent from ammonium diuranate precipitation process having a uranium concentration of about 4 ppm. 42% removal was observed during 6 h of equilibration.

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Acknowledgement

The authors are thankful to Shri. P.K. Dey, Head, Fuel Reprocessing Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and Shri S.K. Munshi, Chief Superintendent, Reprocessing facilities, Trombay for their keen interest and support for the completion of this work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fuel Reprocessing Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, India

    Debasish Das

  2. Radiation Safety System Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, India

    M. K. Sureshkumar

  3. Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, India

    Siddhartha Koley & C. G. S. Pillai

  4. Technical Physics and Prototype Engineering Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, India

    Nidhi Mithal

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  1. Debasish Das
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  2. M. K. Sureshkumar
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  5. C. G. S. Pillai
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Correspondence to Debasish Das.

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Das, D., Sureshkumar, M.K., Koley, S. et al. Sorption of uranium on magnetite nanoparticles. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 285, 447–454 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-010-0627-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-010-0627-0

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