Synthesis and characterization of sodium laurylsulfonate modified silicon dioxide for the efficient removal of europium

Abstract

With the development and utilization of nuclear energy, radioactive contamination has caused special concern. Herein, the sodium laurylsulfonate modified silicon dioxide (SLS/SiO2) was prepared to eliminate europium (Eu) from aqueous solution. The SLS/SiO2 composite revealed a uniform spherical structure. The results showed that Eu(III) removal onto SLS/SiO2 was monolayer adsorption, and the elevated temperature was advantageous to Eu(III) removal. The adsorption capacity of SLS/SiO2 at 298 K reached 52.5 mg/g for Eu(III), and the adsorption of Eu(III) was dependent on solution pH and independent on coexisting ions. The adsorption of Eu(III) reached the adsorption equilibrium within 120 min, showing a great advantage. The retention of Eu(III) onto SLS/SiO2 only occurred at the surface of the composite. According to the characterization analysis, the removal mechanism was the strong surface complexation of Eu(III) at the surface of SLS/SiO2. The results in this study can offer significant information for the radioactive pollution control.