Unmodified SBA-15 adsorbents for the removal and separation of Th(IV) and U(VI) ions: the role of pore channels and surface-active sites

ABSTRACT

The removal of Th(IV) and U(VI) by calcinated, non-calcinated, and methyl grafted SBA-15 (abbreviated as SBA-15, SBA-15-NC and SBA-15-MG, correspondingly) were compared to elucidate the role of pores and surface adsorption sites on SBA-15 adsorbents. It was proposed that the contribution of pores and surface-active sites of SBA-15 increases its higher adsorption capacity with respect to the other examined adsorbents. The kinetic studies revealed that the adsorption and also desorption occurred initially on the surface and then to the pores. Adsorption/desorption of the ions into pores was occurred with slow kinetics.

KEYWORDS:

• Adsorption
• unmodified SBA-15
• pores
• surface
• thorium(IV)
• uranium(VI)

Acknowledgments

The Research Council of the University of Zanjan is acknowledged for the financial support of this work during the years 2013–2015 (Grant Number 19839/92–9–11).