Adsorption of Uranium (VI) from Aqueous Solutions by Amino-functionalized Clay Minerals

Silylation of clay minerals from Cherkasy deposit (Ukraine) montmorillonite (layer silicate) and palygorskite (fibrous silicate) was performed using organosilane (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES). Solvents with different polarity (ethanol, toluene) were used in synthesis. The structure of modified minerals was characterized by complex of methods (X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption at −196 °C and thermal analysis). Studies of adsorption characteristics of APTES-modified clay minerals were carried out in relation to uranium (VI). The results indicated that modified montmorillonite and palygorskite were effective materials for water purification from UO22+.