Uranyl-sorption properties of amorphous and crystalline TiO₂/ZrO₂ millimeter-sized hierarchically porous beads

Chee Kimling, M; Scales, N; Hanley, TL; Caruso, RA

HERO ID

1535483

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2012

Language

English

PMID

22738810

HERO ID 1535483
In Press No
Year 2012
Title Uranyl-sorption properties of amorphous and crystalline TiO₂/ZrO₂ millimeter-sized hierarchically porous beads
Authors Chee Kimling, M; Scales, N; Hanley, TL; Caruso, RA
Journal Environmental Science & Technology
Volume 46
Issue 14
Page Numbers 7913-7920
Abstract Hierarchically porous TiO(2)/ZrO(2) millimeter-sized beads were synthesized using a sol-gel templating technique, and investigated for suitability as radionuclide sorbents using uranyl as a radionuclide-representative probe. The bead properties were varied by altering either composition (22, 36, and 82 wt % Zr in the Ti/Zr composite) or calcination temperature (500 or 700 °C). Uranyl adsorption was higher for the crystalline beads (surface area: 52-59 m(2) g(-1)) than the amorphous beads (surface area: 95-247 m(2) g(-1)), reaching a maximum of 0.170 mmol g(-1) for the 22 wt % Zr sample. This was attributed to the higher surface hydroxyl density (OH nm(-2)), presence of limited microporosity, and larger mesopores in the crystalline beads. Mass transport properties of the crystalline beads were not compromised by the large bead diameter: sorption rates comparable to those reported for powders were achieved and rates were higher than exclusively mesoporous reported systems, thereby highlighting the importance of pore hierarchy in designing materials with improved kinetics. Chemical stability of the sorbent, an important property for processes involving corrosive effluents (e.g., radioactive waste), was also assessed. Crystalline beads displayed superior resistance against matrix leaching in HNO(3). Stability varied with composition: the 22 wt % Zr sample demonstrated the highest stability.
Doi 10.1021/es3011157
Pmid 22738810
Wosid WOS:000306441000062
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English