Sorption of U(VI) onto TiO2/ZrO2/SiO2 Mesoporous Materials from Sulfate Solutions

Abstract

New nanostructured mesoporous materials of the composition TiO₂/ZrO₂/SiO₂ were prepared by the template sol–gel method using a siloxane–acrylate emulsion as a template. The morphology and structure of these materials and their ability to take up U(VI) were studied. The influence of various factors (ZrO₂ content, pH of solution) on the sorption properties was studied. The suggested materials allow efficient sorption of U(VI) from sulfate solutions with low U(VI) concentrations and can be used in final purification processes.