Amidoxime-functionalized MXene/graphene oxide aerogel for sunlight enhanced uranium adsorption

In light of the current scarcity of terrestrial uranium resources, the advancement of highly effective seawater uranium extraction adsorbents is of paramount importance to the advancement of nuclear energy and the assurance of long-term energy source. MXene has garnered considerable interest as a possible uranium adsorbent, predominantly attributable to its abundant functional groups, active sites, large superficial proportion and good photothermal properties. Nevertheless, the inherent limitations of the process, including low adsorption capacity, low selectivity and recovery challenges, have hindered its practical application. In this research, a photothermally enhanced amidoxime-functionalized MXene/Graphene oxide aerogel (AMID/MXene/GO) with a 3D pore construction was prepared for the effective removal of uranium from the ocean. The rich pore structure and abundant functional groups of the aerogel promoted physicochemical adsorption, effectively adsorbing uranium ions within its framework. The AMID/MXene/GO aerogel had excellent adsorption capacity with maximum capacity of 462.07 »mg/g. This material still had excellent uranium selectivity even under the existence of potential interference from competing ions. Furthermore, the AMID/MXene/GO adsorbent showed excellent recoverability, with its adsorption performance remaining unimpaired after five repetition cycles of adsorption and desorption. Encouragingly, the adsorption kinetics of AMID/MXene/GO were significantly improved under simulated solar radiation conditions compared to dark conditions. The AMID/MXene/GO fabrication approach offered a novel insight into the synthesis of highly effective uranium adsorbents. 2025 Elsevier Ltd. All rights are reserved.