The efficient immobilization of uranium(vi) by modified dendritic fibrous nanosilica (DFNS) using mussel bioglue

Abstract

Herein, a dendritic fibrous nanosilica (DFNS)-based adsorbent was constructed through bio-inspired bifunctional stimulation as a rapid and efficient trap for uranium(VI). Amino-amidoxime bifunctional polyacrylonitrile (AOPNI-NH₂) firmly adhered to the DFNS substrate through the polymerization of mussel-inspired dopamine (DA) with a large amount of amine and carbonyl groups. Meanwhile, the amine group of the introduced AOPNI-NH₂ not only suppressed the ring-closing reaction of amidoxime groups to increase the active sites, but also improved their adsorption rate. The adsorption amount of U(VI) on as-prepared DFNS/pDA/AOPNI-NH₂ reached q_m = 678 mg g⁻¹, which represented a 118% increase compared with the original DFNS under the same conditions. Finally, the adsorption capacity demonstrated the potential for the application of this adsorbent in a seawater environment.