An anionic potassium-organic framework for selective removal of uranyl ions

Abstract

Effective and selective removal of radioactive metal ions from aqueous solutions is of great importance due to their harmful effects on humans and other living species. However, it is a big challenge for researchers to develop effective adsorbents with high selectivity and a wide pH application range even if some progress has been achieved. Herein, we report an anionic potassium organic framework (UPC-K1) with protonated dimethylamine (Me₂NH₂⁺) residing inside the rhomboid channels. The unique 3D firm structure of UPC-K1 is constructed by the cross-linking of the 2D arrangement using weak K–O bonds (2.9270 Å) and strong hydrogen bonds (1.6498 Å), which endows it with excellent chemical stability in organic solvents, boiling water, and aqueous solution in the pH range 3–10. Based on the cation exchange, depending on pore size selectivity, UPC-K1 shows excellent adsorption performance towards UO₂²⁺ in aqueous solutions at 298 K with the following characteristics: (1) effective removal in the pH range 3–10; (2) high selectivity over other metal cations; (3) a high adsorption capacity of 551.4 mg g⁻¹; (4) a rapid adsorption equilibrium within 3 hours under stirring; and (5) effective adsorption at low concentrations, with a residual concentration of 0.69 ppm even at an initial concentration of 10.3 ppm after stirring for 24 hours. These results indicate the great potential of UPC-K1 in the treatment of uranium-containing nuclear wastewater.