Encapsulating nanosilica into polyacrylic acid and chitosan interpenetrating network hydrogel for preconcentration of uranium from aqueous solutions

Polyacrylic acid, Chitosan and nanosilica particles composite (PCNS) was prepared for enrichment of U (VI) from aqueous solutions. Adsorption tests controlled by different parameters including contact time, pH, initial concentration of UO22+ and coexistence ions were examined. FTIR, SEM and EDX studies proved the formation of composite and confirmed efficient adsorption of UO22+ by PCNS. The experimental datas fit the Langmuir and pseudo-second-order models, the RL (0.115–0.645) indicates the adsorption of UO22+ onto PCNS are favorable. The value of qm (451.118 mg g−1) and adsorption–desorption experiments showed PCNS hydrogel can be reckoned as a high efficienct and sustainable material for removal of U (VI).