The sorption of uranium(VI) ions onto PAN loaded PUF has been investigated. Quantitative sorption of uranium(VI) onto PAN loaded PUF was achieved after 30 minutes equilibration time from pH 7 buffer solution. The sorption data followed Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) isotherms. Langmuir parameters Q=45.3±0.2 μmol g-1 and b=(76.2±0.2)×103 dm3 mol-1, Freundlich constants 1/n=0.21±0.01 and KF=229±21 μmol g-1 and D–R parameters β=-0.0015±0.00005 kJ2 mol-2, Xm=72.23±3.11 μmol g-1 and E=18.3±0.3 kJ mol-1 have been evaluated. The variation of sorption data with temperature gives ΔH=176±5 kJ mol-1, ΔS=626±17 J mol-1 K-1 and ΔG=-10.6±0.7 kJ mol-1 at 298 K. The positive value of enthalpy (ΔH) and negative value of free energy (ΔG) show endothermic and spontaneous nature of sorption respectively. A number of solvents were tested to elute the uranium-PAN complex from the PAN loaded PUF, only amine solvents and cyclohexanone have the capability to desorb the complex. The sorption mechanism has been discussed.
Print ISSN: 0033-8230
Volume: 93, 06/2005
Pages: 333 - 339