Selective capture of uranium by p-block bismuth-based metal–organic framework

Abstract

Energy shortage severely impedes the advancement of human society and economy. The vigorous development of nuclear energy is a viable solution to address this issue. The escalating depletion of uranium resources necessitates prioritizing the selective extraction of uranyl from seawater and wastewater to ensure the prosperity of nuclear power. A bismuth-based MOF, CAU-17, was synthesized by the one-step solvothermal method for targeted selection of uranyl in the first time. The uranium adsorption tests demonstrated that CAU-17 exhibited a high adsorption capacity of 421.9 mg g−1 (T = 25 °C, pH = 7), exceptional selectivity, outstanding salt tolerance, and favorable stability with 83.6 % of the initial capacity retained after 5 cycles. Through the utilization of XPS and theoretical calculations, it was elucidated that the carboxyl oxygen that connects the Bi played a pivotal role in the binding process between CAU-17 and uranium ions, with bismuth acting as an electron regulator through its bridging effect with carboxyl oxygen. This work not only presents an exceptional uranium adsorption material but also elucidates the role of core metal atoms in MOFs during the binding to uranium process, thereby offering a novel perspective for future advancements in MOFs-based adsorbents.