Surface Engineering Design of Nano FeS@ sp. by Ultrasonic Chemical Method for Efficient U(VI) and Th(IV) Extraction.

Nano-FeS has great potential for use in the management of radioactive contaminants. In this paper, we prepared a FeS@ sp. composite material by ultrasonic chemistry, and it showed excellent removal of uranium and thorium from the solution. Through optimization of the experimental conditions, it was found that the maximum adsorption capacities for uranium and thorium reached 481.9 and 407.5 mg/g for a composite made with a synthetic ratio of 1:1, pH 5 and 3.5, respectively, for U and Th, and sonication for 20 min. Compared with those of FeS or alone, the removal capacity was greatly improved. The results of a mechanistic study indicated that efficient removal of the uranium and thorium was due to ion exchange, reduction, and microbial surface adsorption. FeS@ sp. could be applied to U(VI) and Th(IV) extraction for radioactive water.