Highly efficient recovery of Re(VII) from uranium and molybdenum ores leaching solution by quaternary phosphonium modified cellulose microspheres

Abstract

Background

Efficient separation of Re from molybdenum and uranium ores holds significant implications for resource utilization and environmental conservation.

Methods

A novel quaternary phosphonium (PPh₃) modified cellulose (CMS-g-VBPPh₃NO₃) was synthesized through the halogenation reaction between PPh₃ and the VBC grafted cellulose intermediate (CMS-g-VBC). The recovery of Re was evaluated by batch and dynamic adsorption experiments.

Significant Findings

The adsorption performance of CMS-g-VBPPh₃NO₃ for Re(VII) remains stable across a broad pH range. Even in the presence of various coexisting anions (NO₃^-, SO₄^2- and PO₄^3-), CMS-g-VBPPh₃NO₃ demonstrates exceptional adsorption efficiency towards Re(VII). In column experiments, the CMS-g-VBPPh₃NO₃ selectively captured Re(VII) from both acidic and alkaline uranium ore leachate, with concentration factors reaching 600 and 1228, respectively. These results highlight the material's effective Re(VII) separation capabilities, indicating its potential as a promising candidate for practical applications involving Re(VII) recovery.