Synthesis of nanoscale zero-valent iron loaded chitosan for synergistically enhanced removal of U(VI) based on adsorption and reduction

In this study, chitosan (CS) loading well-dispersed nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI/CS) was successfully prepared via the liquid-phase reduction method. Characterizations of the NZVI/CS with high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction suggested that the as-prepared NZVI/CS comprised numerous dispersed Fe⁰ nanoparticles. Synergistic adsorption and reduction occurred during the removal process based on X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Influence of pH, contract time and temperature on U(VI) removal were investigated. The high removal capacity and rapid removal kinetics were predominately ascribed to the existence of well-distributed NZVI, which could rapidly reduce U(VI) into U(IV). The removal process could be better depicted by the Langmuir isotherm model and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The thermodynamic parameters showed that the removal process was exothermic. These findings indicate that the synthesized NZVI/CS composites have potential application for the removal of U(VI) from the sewage water.