Assessing Implications of Structure-Property Relationship of Acid-stable Cyclicimidioximes on U(VI) sequestration from seawater

Uranium can generate energy efficiently and sustainably, resulting in its high demand due to increasing global energy demand. As a result, there has been significant interest in the search for materials to sequester uranium ions, U(VI), from seawater. Among the materials adopted, the amidoxime-based polymeric adsorbent has shown great promise, but not without challenges. During industrial testing, the active site of the sorbent (CID) was responsible for the preferential adsorption of pentavalent vanadium, V(V) ions over uranium. This interaction led to the degradation of the material during the acidic elution process. Interestingly, the aromatic-based CIDs (Ar-CIDs) are acid-stable. However, the potential co-adsorption of U(VI) and V(V) and possibly other metal ions by the Ar-CIDs remains unknown, as only corresponding U(VI)/Ar-CIDs have been investigated. Therefore, this project will establish a fundamental understanding of metal ion interaction with Ar-CID-type sorbents and provide insights into developing more U(VI)-friendly and efficient adsorbents.

Faculty Supervisor:

George Shimizu

Student:

Partner:

Florida International University

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Energy and Utilities; Sustainability & the Environment; Natural Resources

University:

University of Calgary

Program: