Sorption of U(VI) compounds on inorganic composites containing partially unzipped multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Unlike ion-exchange resins, inorganic sorbents possess high selectivity towards heavy metal ions and stability against ionizing radiation. However, sorption on these materials is rather slow. Moreover, sorption capacity strongly depends on the solution pH. In order to improve sorption properties of inorganic ion-exchangers, composites containing advanced carbon materials are obtained. Regularities of sorption of U(VI) compounds from low-concentrated aqueous solutions (up to 0.1 mmol dm–3 of uranium) on hydrated zirconium dioxide and zirconium hydrophosphate are considered. The sorbents were modified with partially unzipped multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PUMWCNTs). Sorption isotherms were obtained and analyzed. They obey Dubinin-Radushkevich model indicating sorption sites, a size of which is comparable with that of ions being sorbed. As found, the sorption mechanism is ion exchange. The effect of the solution pH on the sorption rate of U(VI) ions and capacity of inorganic ion-exchangers and their composites has been considered. Carbon additions increase sorption capacity of zirconium dioxide and zirconium hydrophosphate, when the initial pH of one-component solution is 3–4 and 5–7 respectively. Under these conditions, U(VI)-containing cations are removed from the solution practically completely. The rate of sorption obeys the model of chemical reaction of pseudo-second order, when uranium is removed from one-component solution. PUMWCNTs slow down sorption on zirconium dioxide and accelerate it on zirconium hydrophosphate. The dependence of the pseudo second order equation constants on the pH of U(VI) solutions was analyzed. The reaction of the first order occurs, when the solution contains also Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions. Regeneration was carried out using HNO3 and NaHCO3 solutions: the rate-determining stage of desorption is particle diffusion. It has been shown that one-component ZHP can be regenerated with a NaHCO3 solution practically completely. The most suitable solution for U(VI) desorption from ZHP-PUMWCNTs composite is a 1 M HNO3 solution.

Influence of Zirconium Hydrophosphate Nanoparticles on Porous Structure and Sorption Capacity of the Composites Based on Ion Exchange Resin

Evolution of swelling of gel-like strongly acidic resin and organic-inorganic composites based on this ion-exchanger was investigated. Non-aggregated nanoparticles of zirconium hydrophosphate were found to provide size invariability of the polymer pores, which contain functional groups (up to 20 nm), the nanoparticle aggregates squeeze these pores (down to 3 nm). Owing to this, the nanocomposite shows higher break-through capacity during removal of Ni2+ from water, than the sample modified only with aggregates.

Organic-inorganic membranes for filtration of corn distillery

Organic-inorganic membranes were obtained by modification of polymer microfiltration membrane with inorganic ion-exchangers, which form secondary porosity inside macroporous substrate (zirconium hydrophosphate) or simultaneously in the macroporous substrate and active layer, depending of the particle size (from ?50 nm up to several microns). Precipitation of the inorganic constituent is considered from the point of view of Ostwald-Freundlich equation. Such processes as pressing test in deionized water and filtration of corn distillery at 1-6 bar were investigated. Theoretical model allowing to establish fouling mechanism, was applied. It was found that the particles both in the substrate and active layer prevent fouling of the membrane with organics and provide rejection of colloidal particles.