Synthesis of crystalline carbon nitride with molten salt thermal treatment for efficient photocatalytic reduction and removal of U(VI)

• DOI: 10.1007/s11164-023-04993-w
• Publication Date: 2023-03-26T20:50:32Z
• Authors: Zhiwen Wu; Bo Wang; Yean Zhu; Jinming Xue; Yidan Nie; Zongbo Xie; Zhanggao Le
• Keywords: Uranyl; Carbon fibers

Abstract It is critical to recover uranium from wastewater containing U(VI) and to ensure the commercial development of nuclear related energy sources. With the rapid development of photocatalytic technology, the extraction and recovery methods of uranyl ions from contaminated areas has become clearer. However, it faces several challenges, such as low charge carrier migration and lack of active sites. In order to improve the efficiency of photocatalytic reduction of uranium, the crystallized carbon nitride (CCN) catalysts at different temperatures were successfully obtained and well characterized. The effects of catalyst dosage, pH value of solution and concentration of U(Ⅵ) on the photocatalytic reactions, as well as the photoreduction mechanisms were investigated in detail. The results demonstrate that CCN can effectively remove U(Ⅵ) by photocatalytic reduction, which has a great application prospect for the treatment of uranium-containing wastewater.