Synthesis of phosphorylated hyper-cross-linked polymers and their efficient uranium adsorption in water

Uranium (U) is hazardous and radioactive, wastewater containing U(VI) should be treated before being discharged. Here, two novel uranium adsorbents, phosphorylated hyper-cross-linked bisphenol A (PHCP-1) and fluorene-9-bisphenol (PHCP-2) were separately synthesized via Friedel-Crafts reaction followed by phosphorylation using phosphorus oxychloride. PHCPs had a BET surface area (up to 564 m2/g) with pore sizes of 2.2–2.8 nm. These adsorbents were used for the first time for uranium adsorption from water and demonstrated outstanding adsorption performance. PHCP-2 had a great uranium adsorption capacity (297.14 mg/g) and a very fast sorption rate (85% removal rate within 5 min). The adsorption data were well fitted with Freundlich isotherm and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. PHCPs displayed selective adsorption capacity for U(VI) from solution that including a variety of competing metal ions. The reusability was confirmed through three regeneration cycles. Based on a series of spectroscopic analyses, the mechanism of action between PHCPs and U(VI) is primarily derived from the complex between phosphate functional groups and U (VI). The sorption performance of PHCPs is attributed to their huge specific surface area and the strong complex between phosphate groups and U(VI). These findings suggest that PHCPs could be useful in the effective adsorption of uranium from water.