Sorption behavior of uranium from Sulfate media using purolite A400 as a strong base anion Exchange resin

Abstract

ABSTRACT The sorption characteristics of uranium onto a strongly basic anion exchanger, Purolite A400, were investigated. The characteristics of Purolite A400, before and after sorption of uranium, were determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energetic-dispersive X-ray (EDX). The influence of the different parameters, which may affect the process of uranium sorption process, had been tracked. Specifically, impacts of initial uranium concentration, pH, contact time and temperature, on uranium removal, were studied. In addition, the sorption kinetics and equilibrium parameters were assessed. At the optimum conditions, the adsorption capacity of uranium was found to be nearly 117.6 mg/g. The kinetics and isotherm studies could show that the uranium sorption onto Purolite A400 is following the models of pseudo-second-order and Langmuir isotherm respectively. The thermodynamic parameters had indicated that the adsorption of uranium is an exothermic and spontaneous process. The detected results of uranium sorption could reveal that Purolite A400 is a suitable material for pre-concentration of uranium (VI) species from sulfate leach liquor.