Porous phytic acid-doped sodium alginate aerogels as the electrode material for the electrosorption of uranium from acidic solution

A novel phytic acid-doped sodium alginate aerogel (Alg-PA) was prepared via a simple doping and freeze-drying method and was used as a self-supporting electrode material to remove uranium ions from aqueous solutions. The effects of chemical composition, UO22+ concentration, solution pH, and applied voltage on the adsorption of UO22+ were investigated. Chemical adsorption was found to be the main mechanism of uranium adsorption and the application of voltage can effectively improve the adsorption capacity and adsorption rate in this removal system. The experimental maximum capacity of the Alg-PA electrode was 430.8 mg/g, while the theoretical maximum capacity of Alg-PA was found to be 563.8 mg/g. Moreover, Alg-PA also has a good reusability and selectivity to uranium ions. These advantages make Alg-PA a promising material for extracting of uranium from uranium-containing solutions.