Uranium (VI) extraction from Earth’s oceans using advanced sorbent materials functionalized with the amidoxime ligand receives considerable research attention to augment terrestrial uranium resources for nuclear power. Amidoxime selectively binds the uranyl cation and amidoximated polymer membranes are regenerated for reuse with ease. In field deployments of amidoxime-functionalized technologies, competition from other dissolved metals in seawater frequently interferes with exclusive isolation of uranium. These results are undesirable for ocean extraction, however, removal of other metals and minerals observed in field trials are of great benefit in drinking water treatment applications for both membrane units in large treatment plants and home point-of-use and point-of-entry devices. Herein, we have developed an electrospun polyamidoxime nanofiber membrane material that removes 97-100% of magnified concentrations of uranium (1 ppm) from complex aqueous solutions, where highly soluble uranyl carbonate species dominate. Removal to non-detectable uranium concentrations from environmentally relevant levels (&gt;200 ppb) elucidates real-world application for compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Maximum Contaminant Level of 30 ppb in drinking water treatment. Polyamidoxime membrane materials indicate especially great promise for use in point-of-use and point-of-entry devices in resource-constrained communities in the southwest United States, where the legacy of uranium mining continues to impair source water quality.<br/>

Beyond ocean extraction of uranium(VI): Polyamidoxime nanofiber materials for specialized point-of-use water treatment applications

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.