Sorption of Thorium Using Magnetic Graphene Oxide Polypyrrole Composite Synthesized from Water Hyacinth Roots

Abstract

Polypyrrole magnetic graphene oxide (PPy/MGO) composites have been synthesized from a natural source (water hyacinth roots) using polymerization technique for Th(IV) ions pre-concentration from aqueous solutions. The effects of controlling factor have been studied using the batch technique. The obtained results show that the maximum Th(IV) adsorption capacity by PPy/MGO composite is 277.8 mg/g at pH 4, which is higher than traditional adsorbents. PPy/MGO composite also presents excellent regeneration/reuse property. The PPy/MGO was thoroughly characterized by a number of techniques namely, Fourier transforms infrared, Raman, as well as X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric and Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX). Due to the high adsorption capacity of Th (IV), PPy/MGO composite can be used in nuclear fuel achievement and for Th(IV) environmental pollution cleanup.