Diglycolamide functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes for removal of uranium from aqueous solution by adsorption

• Published in: Journal of radioanalytical and nuclear chemistry 2012-03, Vol.291 (3), p.877-883
• Main Authors: Deb, Ashish Kumar Singha, Ilaiyaraja, P., Ponraju, D., Venkatraman, B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adsorption; Chemical properties; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Diagnostic Radiology; Hadrons; Heavy Ions; Inorganic Chemistry; Nanotubes; Nuclear Chemistry; Nuclear Physics; Physical Chemistry; Uranium
• ISSN: 0236-5731; 1588-2780
• DOI: 10.1007/s10967-011-1366-6

Diglycolamide functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (DGA-MWCNTs) were synthesized by sequential chemical reactions for removal of uranium from aqueous solution. Characterization studies were carried out using FT-IR spectroscopy, XRD and SEM analysis. Adsorption of uranium from aqueous solution on this material was studied as a function of nitric acid concentration, adsorbent dose and initial uranium concentration. The uranium adsorption data on DGA-MWCNTs followed the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. The adsorption capacity of DGA-MWCNTs as well as adsorption isotherms and the effect of temperature on uranium ion adsorption were investigated. The standard enthalpy, entropy, and free energy of adsorption of the uranium with DGA-MWCNTs were calculated to be 6.09 kJ mole −1 , 0.106 kJ mole −1 K −1 and −25.51 kJ mole −1 respectively at 298K. The results suggest that DGA-MWCNTs can be used as efficient adsorbent for uranium ion removal.