Sorption of radionuclides from aqueous systems onto graphene oxide-based materials: a review

Abstract

Graphene oxide (GO), one of the most important graphene derivatives, has many oxygen-containing functional groups on its basal plane and on the edges in the form of epoxy, hydroxyl and carboxyl groups. It has attracted increasing interest in multidisciplinary research because of its unique structure and exceptional physicochemical properties. In particular, GO-based materials have great potential in environmental remediation and energy applications. Herein, we review the recent advances in GO-based materials for the sorption of radionuclides, mainly from the last decade. This review summarizes the preparation of GO-based materials and their application in the sorption of radionuclides (such as U(VI), Eu(III), Sr(II), etc.) from aqueous systems. The main sorption mechanisms are investigated using kinetic analysis, thermodynamic analysis, surface complexation models, spectroscopic techniques and theoretical calculations. It is evident that GO-based materials have good potential for the removal of radionuclides from aqueous systems. However, it is necessary to carry out more research focusing on the development of lower cost, higher efficiency and more environmentally friendly GO-based materials, either for scientific interest or practical applications.