The preparation of spherical Dopamine/Carbon for the efficient removal of uranium

As Japan releases nuclear wastewater into the ocean, radioactive contamination has caused global concern. Among those radioactive contaminants, uranium(U) is one of the worst pollutants. This study prepares the spherical dopamine/carbon(DA/C) through a simple hydrothermal process to remove U(VI) from water. In adsorption, uranium ions are adsorbed on the material surface and gradually enter the material through the pores. U(VI) adsorption is a single molecule adsorption process, and the adsorption capacity of the DA/C is 30.4 mg/g at pH = 7.0 and 288 K. U(VI) adsorption depends on electrostatic attraction and complexation. The hydroxyl groups and amino groups of the DA/C can form complexes with U(VI) ions. The DA/C possesses excellent desorption and regeneration ability, which can be used for U(VI) removal and extract uranium from seawater. This study provides a new idea for enriching U(VI), which helps control radioactive pollution.