Fibrous TiO₂ exhibiting efficient U(VI) adsorption from aqueous solution

ABSTRACT

Titanium dioxide with different morphologies such as nanoparticles (TNP), microspheres (TMS) and fibrous microspheres (TFS) was prepared to remove Uranium (VI) from aqueous solution. With unique fibrous mesoporous structure, large surface area and surface roughness, TFS demonstrated a faster rate of U(VI) adsorption in both batch and column experiments compared to TNP and TMS. It is due to faster flow rate and easy diffusion of U(VI) ions facilitating faster U(VI) adsorption. The morphology of the adsorbents was verified by scanning electron microscopy. The adsorption parameters such as pH, contact time, temperature and U(VI) concentration were evaluated. Significant adsorption of U(VI) on TFS was observed at pH 6 and U(VI) concentration dependent adsorption data fitted well with Langmuir isotherm model. Adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model. The adsorption of U(VI) on TFS was endothermic and spontaneous. The present study reveals that TFS would serve as an excellent candidate for U(VI) uptake and eminently suitable for commercial applications.

KEYWORDS:

• Uranium (VI)
• titanium dioxide
• adsorption
• morphology and kinetics

Acknowledgments

The authors sincerely thank Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar (SSN) Trust (Project File Number: SSN/IFFP/JANUARY 2019/1-16/16) for the financial support and infrastructure.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the SSN Educational and Charitable Trust [SSN/IFFP/JANUARY 2019/1-16/16].