Removal of U(VI) contamination from aqueous solution by ethylenediamine modified wet spinning polyacrylonitrile/amidoxime polyacrylonitrile composite fibers

The polyacrylonitrile/amidoxime polyacrylonitrile composite (PAN/PAO) fibers were prepared by wet spinning technology, and ethylenediamine modified PAN/PAO fibers (PAN/PAO-NH2) were prepared by solvothermal method for U(VI) adsorption. The prepared PAN/PAO-NH2 fibers possessed a favorable adsorption capacity (q(max) = 151.54 mg g(-1) at pH = 5) for U(VI) in simulated solution. The XPS results showed that the amino group and amine oxime group played an important role in the adsorption process by complexing with U(VI). The PAN/PAO-NH2 fibers showed desirable potential for industrial production. The results herein suggest that the proposed composite is a promising and suitable candidate for the removal of U(VI) from uranium-containing wastewater.