Removal of U(VI) from aqueous solution by Al 0 /Ni 0 bimetallic material

Abstract

The widespread use of nuclear energy has led to a growing concern over environmental pollution resulted from uranium which has prompted global attention on wastewater treatment. Al0 and Ni0 metals have been used by numerous researchers both domestically and internationally to removal U(VI) from aqueous solution due to their unique chemical properties. In this work, Al0/Ni0 bimetallic material (Al0/Ni0-BM) was prepared by synchronous liquid-phase reduction method. Due to the structure of bimetallic material and synergistic effect, it exhibited a higher removal rate compared with single zero valent metal. The uranium removal rate was 98.90%, well-fitting with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, reduction model and Langmuir isothermal adsorption model. The high removal performance was attributed to the electron transfer mechanism between material and U element and the adsorption effect of corresponding hydroxides. The thermodynamic parameters demonstrated that the adsorption of U(VI) on the Al0/Ni0-BM was an endothermic and spontaneous process controlled by physical and chemical adsorptions. In conclusion, Al0/Ni0-BM showed an excellent potential for understanding U(VI) removal from aqueous solution by zero valent bimetallic materials.