Separation Science and Technology, Vol.54, No.4, 602-614, 2019
Rhodamine-B modified silica for uranium(VI) extraction from aqueous waste samples
Silica modified with rhodamine-B has been synthesized, characterized and used for solid phase extraction (SPE) of uranium(VI) (U(VI)) from aqueous waste solutions. Adsorption efficiency was influenced by various parameters, which have been investigated such as solution pH, shaking time, initial concentration, adsorbent dose and possible competing ions. The study showed that uranium adsorption was found to be quantitative at pH 5. The adsorption percentage of U(VI) was found to be 94% at the optimum conditions. Desorption conditions were also examined. About 99% of uranium loaded on modified silica was desorbed by 6% of HCl. The method was applicable for removal of uranium from natural samples.