Facile separation of Th(IV) from aqueous solution by graphene hydrogel

Abstract

In this work, the graphene hydrogel (GH) was fabricated, and its adsorption behavior toward Th(IV) was studied. The GH displayed a porous network structure, with a controllable size and structure. The adsorption experimental results demonstrated that the adsorption of Th(IV) on GH fitted well with pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Freundlich isotherm model, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 190.28 mg/g at pH 3.0. The adsorption of Th(IV) on GH in inner-sphere surface complexation. Solution pH has an important influence on Th(IV) adsorption of GH. In addition, the GH exhibits an excellent reusability in Th(IV) adsorption.