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Synthesis of quaternary ammonium salt functionalized large-particle silica gel for removal of uranium

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Abstract

Quaternary ammonium salt functionalized silica gel (QA/SiO2) was synthesized and used to remove uranium from the alkaline solution. Batch experiments showed that the saturated adsorption capacity of QA/SiO2 to uranium was 370 mg/g at pH > 8.0. The isothermal adsorption confirms to the Langmuir model. Different co-existing anions have been studied, QA/SiO2 showed a high affinity for uranium. The interaction mechanism is anion exchange. Because of its low cost, operable large particle size and high adsorption capacity, it has a prospect of large-scale industrial application.

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Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 21976075).

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  1. School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, People’s Republic of China

    Xiao Min Li, Fang Fei Dong, Yi Wei Huang, Xu Peng Zhi & Ying Lin Shen

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  1. Xiao Min Li
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Correspondence to Ying Lin Shen.

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Li, X.M., Dong, F.F., Huang, Y.W. et al. Synthesis of quaternary ammonium salt functionalized large-particle silica gel for removal of uranium. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 329, 171–177 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-021-07787-9

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