Efficient removal of uranium(VI) from aqueous medium using ceria nanocrystals: an adsorption behavioural study

Ceria nanocrystals were synthesized by template free and cost effective method for highly efficient adsorption of U(VI) from aqueous solutions. In this study we investigated the factors influencing the adsorption behavior of U(VI) onto the ceria nanocrystals like pH, dosage, time of contact and initial metal ion concentration. The mechanism of adsorption was elucidated based on the isothermal and kinetic studies. A monolayer surface adsorption of uranyl ions onto the ceria nanocrystals with an adsorption capacity of 270 mg/g involving adsorptive pore filling and electrostatic interactions was indicated. The ceria nanocrystals could be regenerated and reused without significant reduction of adsorption capacities.