Polyvinyl Alcohol Polymer Functionalized Graphene Oxide Decorated with Gadolinium Oxide for Sequestration of Radionuclides from Aqueous Medium: Characterization, Mechanism, and Environmental Feasibility Studies

Abstract

Uranium (U(VI)) and thorium (Th(IV)) ions produced by the nuclear and mining industries cause water pollution, thereby harming the environment and human health. In this study, gadolinium oxide-decorated polyvinyl alcohol-graphene oxide composite (PGO–Gd) was developed using a simple hydrothermal process to treat U(VI) and Th(IV) ions in water. The developed material was structurally characterized by highly advanced spectroscopy and microscopy techniques. The effects of pH, equilibration time and temperature on both radionuclides (U(VI) and Th(IV)) adsorption by PGO–Gd were examined. The PGO–Gd composite adsorbed both metal ions satisfactorily, with adsorption capacities of 427.50 and 455.0 mg g−1 at pH 4.0, respectively. The adsorption properties of both metal ions were found to be compatible with the Langmuir and pseudo–second-order kinetic models. Additionally, based on the thermodynamic characteristics, the adsorption was endothermic and spontaneous. Furthermore, the environmental viability of PGO–Gd and its application was demonstrated by studying its reusability in treating spiked surface water. PGO–Gd shows promise as an adsorbent in effectively removing both radionuclides from aqueous solutions.

Portable SA/CMC entrapped bimetallic magnetic fly ash zeolite spheres for heavy metals contaminated industrial effluents treatment via batch and column studies

“…Many techniques are used to remove heavy metals from aqueous solutions, including ion exchange, precipitation, adsorption, coagulation/flocculation, and reverse osmosis. Adsorption has proven to be the most successful method for removing heavy metals owing to its ease of use, practicability in the field, and low installation cost 4 , 5 . The adsorbent characteristics mostly determine the adsorption process.…”

Recent advances in the environmental application of graphene-based composites

“…200 3.3.4 Other radionuclides. Apart from the above radionuclides, various graphene-bearing composites have recently been used to remove other radionuclides, such as Th(IV), [202][203][204][205][206] Am(III), 33 and Eu(III). 33,201 For instance, Huang et al reported on the high adsorption capacity (220 mg g −1 at pH 3.0) and selectivity (∼100%, Fig.…”

Graphene Oxide/Fe3O4/Chitosan−Coated Nonwoven Polyester Fabric Extracted from Disposable Face Mask for Enhanced Efficiency of Organic Dye Adsorption

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