A robust prediction of U(VI) sorption on Fe3O4/activated carbon composites with surface complexation model

Abstract

A robust prediction of U(VI) on Fe3O4/activated carbon (Fe3O4/AC, fabricated by co-precipitation method under N2 conditions) under different pH was developed via diffuse layer model, in accordance with FI-IR, XRD and XPS analysis. No influence of ionic strength onto U(VI) adsorption by Fe3O4/AC under ambient conditions suggested the inner-sphere surface adsorption, which was attributed to abundant surficial functional groups according to FT-IR and XPS analysis. The batch experiments indicated Fe3O4/AC with fast adsorption rate (equilibrium within 60 min), high adsorption capacity (56 mg/g at pH 4.0) towards U(VI). The adsorbed U(VI) was partly reduced by Fe2+ of Fe3O4/AC by XPS analysis. Surface complexation modeling showed that a single set of monodentate and mononuclear species (SOUO2+) cannot predict U(VI) adsorption at high pH, whereas the robust prediction of U(VI) adsorption over wide pH range was observed by adding the other binuclear and tridentate species ((SO)2UO2(CO3)6-). These findings revealed that magnetic AC as a candidate for immobilization and/or preconcentration of radioactive wastewater in environment management.