Preparation and characterization of a novel diatomite-based composite and investigation of its adsorption properties for uranyl ions

In this research, Polyacrylamide-diatomite (PAA-D) composite was used as adsorbent for the efficient removal of uranyl ions from aqueous solution. The chemical and morphological properties of PAA-D composite were confirmed by several analysis. Batch experiments were performed as a function of solution pH, initial concentration, kinetic, thermodynamic and recovery. The maximum metal uptake capacity was found as 0.085 mol kg(-1). Kinetic data were best interpreted by a pseudo second order model. Thermodynamic findings showed that the adsorption process was exothermic, spontaneous and process with increased disorderliness at solid/solution interface. The recovery studies showed that PAA-D composite had good adsorption/desorption performance.