The photocatalytic extraction of U(VI) by CdS/g-C3N4 cellulose film

Abstract

Photocatalysis is considered as a promising way for separating and extracting uranium. However, powder catalysts used in most studies are hard to be recovered and reused in practical application. Herein, a CdS/g-C3N4 cellulose membrane (CCM) was successfully fabricated for the photocatalytic extraction of uranium. It was revealed that the incorporation of catalyst in membrane remarkably enhanced the separation and transfer of charge carriers. CCM showed outstanding performance of uranium extraction under air conditions without sacrificial reagent. Under light irradiation, ∼95 % of 15 mL 0.1 mM uranyl could be removed within 140 min and a high extraction capacity of 1599.72 mg/g could be achieved. After four cycles, CCM still remained high reactivity and could remove ∼ 85 % uranyl from aqueous solution. During the photocatalytic reactions, U(VI) was mainly reduced by •O2– radicals, and •OH also contributed to the removal of uranium. Owing to the generation of reactive oxygen species, CCM exhibited excellent antifouling property. The results suggest CCM can be a good candidate for separating and extracting uranium from solutions.