Fluorescent Functionalized Mesoporous Silica for Radioactive Material Extraction

Juan Li, Kake Zhu, Jianying Shang, Donghai Wang, Zimin Nie, Ruisong Guo, Chongxuan Liu, Zheming Wang, Xiaolin Li, Jun Liu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Mesoporous silica with covalently bound salicylic acid molecules incorporated in the structure was synthesized with a one-pot, co-condensation reaction at room temperature. The as-synthesized material has a large surface area, uniform particle size, and an ordered pore structure as determined by characterization with transmission electron microscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, and infrared spectra, etc. Using the strong fluorescence and metal coordination capability of salicylic acid, functionalized mesoporous silica (FMS) was developed to track and extract radionuclide contaminants, such as uranyl [U(VI)] ions encountered in subsurface environments. Adsorption measurements showed a strong affinity of the FMS toward U(VI) with a K d value of 10 5 mL/g, which is four orders of magnitude higher than the adsorption of U(VI) onto most of the sediments in natural environments. The new materials have a potential for synergistic environmental monitoring and remediation of the radionuclide U(VI) from contaminated subsurface environments.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1507-1513
Number of pages7
JournalSeparation Science and Technology (Philadelphia)
Volume47
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2012

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Chemistry
  • General Chemical Engineering
  • Process Chemistry and Technology
  • Filtration and Separation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Fluorescent Functionalized Mesoporous Silica for Radioactive Material Extraction'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this