The Uranium Recovery from Aqueous Solutions Using Amidoxime Modified Cellulose Derivatives. II. Uranium Uptake Behavior of Amidoximated Ethyl Cellulose

Abstract

Amidoxime modified ethyl cellulose (EC-g-AO) was utilized to recover uranyl ions fromaqueous solutions through a process of complexation. Adsorption trials were carried out atvarying UO22+concentrations ranging from 100 to 1000 mg/L and at temperatures ranging from25 to 50C. Thermodynamics and kinetics of the adsorption of uranyl ions (UO22+) by EC-g-AOwere examined. The findings suggested an adsorption capacity of 240 mg UO22+/g drycopolymer. Thermodynamic parameters applicable to the interaction of UO22+ with EC-g-AO werecalculated from thermodynamic relations. Calculations indicated that adsorption took placethrough powerful electrostatic interactions with an enthalpy of -23.6 kJ/mol. UO22+ desorptionwas investigated by desorption agents like EDTA, HCl, NaHCO3, and NaOH. The desorption yieldfound for NaHCO3 was 52%.