Insight from adsorption properties of Xylidyl Blue embedded hydrogel for effective removal of uranyl: Experimental and theoretical approaches

Abstract

Applications of a hybrid material consisting of polyacrylamide (PAA) and Xylidyl Blue (XB) for the removal of uranyl ions from aqueous solutions has been investigated with all details. Adsorption experiments were performed at batch mode and constant temperature. Experimental parameters affecting adsorption process such as pH, initial uranyl concentration, time and temperature were studied on the removal of the uranyl ions. The isotherms assays were carried out with synthetic solutions and adsorption data were evaluated by using Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) isotherm models. Morphological and chemical characterizations of new synthesized material were investigated by UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy and SEM/EDX techniques and pHpzc experiments. The results of the kinetic experiments are consistent with pseudo-second-order models and intra-particle diffusion models with a slightly better fit to the latter. Equilibrium was achieved within 3 h. The value of rate constant for adsorption process was calculated as 1.055 mol−1 kg min−1 at 318 K. The calculated thermodynamic parameters (ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS°) indicated that the adsorption of uranyl ions onto XB@PAA was feasible, spontaneous and endothermic nature under the studied temperature. The developed material has also a potential as a sensor because its color turn from pink to red by adsorption of uranyl ions.