Highly efficient capture of Th(IV) from aqueous solutions using GO/TiO2 nanocomposite

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Egyptian Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority (ENRRA, Nasr city, Cairo, Egypt)

2 lecture of Applied Physical Chemistry - Chemistry Department - Faculty of Science - Al-Azhar University (Girls)

3 Professor of Physical Chemistry - Faculty of Science - Al-Azhar University

Abstract

An adsorbent GO/TiO2 nanocomposite has been synthesized and characterized. FTIR, XRD, TGA, TEM, SEM and EDX were used to characterize the prepared composite. In a batch method, the adsorption properties of the prepared composite against thorium ions were examined. Th(IV) adsorption kinetics study on GO/TiO2 suggests that the adsorption equilibrium attained within 240 min and depends on the pH value. The adsorption results were expressed mathematically by using Langmuir and Freundlich sorption models. The nanocomposite showed the highest Th(IV) adsorption of 292.32 mg/g at pH 2.5 and 25 oC. The thermodynamic results indicated a thermodynamically favorable, random and exothermic nature of the adsorption process. The obtained results demonstrate that GO/TiO2 nanocomposite can be regarded as a fast, effective and convenient water-based adsorbent for adsorption of Th(IV). This study suggests that nanocomposite can be a promising candidate for the removal of Th(IV) from aqueous solution.

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