A proton-exchange poly(acrylic acid) supramolecular hydrogel for ultrahigh uranium adsorption

A PAA supramolecular hydrogel, via hydrogen bonding interactions, is capable of proton-exchange with uranyl ions. High-density carboxyl groups and exchangeable protons in PAA chains enable an ultrahigh uranium uptake, e.g. 1362 mg g −1 in 20 mg L −1 uranium-spiked water.