Interaction between U(VI) with sulfhydryl groups functionalized graphene oxides investigated by batch and spectroscopic techniques

A novel 4-aminothiophenol functionalized graphene oxide composite (GO-SH) was prepared by an easy reaction route. Chemical structure and element analysis showed that the sulfhydryl groups (-SH) were successfully decorated on GOs. The sorption capacity toward U(VI) from aqueous solution was conducted by batch experiments. The results indicated the maximum sorption capacity of GO-SH composite toward U(VI) at pH = 5.5 and T = 298 K could reach 281.69 mg·g⁻¹ on the base of the Langmuir model. The sorption kinetic curve for U(VI) fitted well with the pseudo-second-order model. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and infrared analysis demonstrated that the surface-grafted sulfhydryl groups contributed to the sorption of U(VI) by forming the surface complexation. The GO-SH also showed high stability and excellent reuse capability. Therefore, GO-SH can be regarded as a potential sorbent for the efficient removal of U(VI) from aqueous solutions.