Removal of U(VI) from aqueous solutions by using attapulgite/iron oxide magnetic nanocomposites

The attapulgite/iron oxide magnetic nanocomposites were prepared by coprecipitation method and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometer and Fourier transform infrared sorption spectroscopy. The results of characterization showed that iron oxides were successfully deposited on the surfaces of attapulgite. The prepared magnetic nanocomposites were applied to remove radionuclide U(VI) ions from aqueous solutions by using batch technique and magnetic separation method. The results showed that the sorption of U(VI) on attapulgite/iron oxide magnetic composites was strongly dependent on ionic strength and pH at low pH values, and was independent of ionic strength at high pH values. The interaction of U(VI) with the magnetic nanocomposites was mainly dominated by outer-sphere surface complexation or ion exchange at low pH values, and was controlled by inner-sphere surface complexation or multinuclear surface complexation at high pH values. With increasing temperature, the sorption of U(VI) on attapulgite/iron oxide magnetic composites increased and the thermodynamic parameters calculated from the temperature dependent sorption isotherms suggested that the sorption of U(VI) on the magnetic nanocomposites was a spontaneous and endothermic process. The high sorption capacity and easy magnetic separation of the attapulgite/iron oxide magnetic composites make the material as suitable sorbent in nuclear waste management.