Effective adsorption of uranyl ions with different MoS2-exposed surfaces in aqueous solution

An understanding of the impacts regarding on two-dimensional materials on radionuclide removal is indispensable, owing to the intrinsic structure of materials can affect its properties. In this work, MoS2 nanosheets and nanoflowers were prepared by molten salt electrolysis method. The distinct adsorption behaviors of U(VI) on MoS2 was theoretically and experimentally investigated. The adsorption properties of MoS2 material including equilibrium isotherms, kinetics and effects of pH and temperature were explored. Batch experiments results show that MoS2 nanosheets and nanoflowers achieved excellent U(VI) adsorption capacities, which were 45.7 and 37.1 mg/g at 298 K, respectively. According to the computational results, U(VI) have formed more stable complexes on MoS2. Interestingly, the molybdenum group could significantly improve the binding energy through U-S bond. Therefore, the MoS2 material has potential applications in the elimination of uranyl ion from radioactive wastewater.