Rapid recovery of uranium with magnetic-single-molecular amidoxime adsorbent

•Magnetic-single-molecular material is used for uranium adsorption for the first time.•Fully exposure of functional group guarantees high uranium adsorption capacity.•The magnetism of the adsorbent endows it with high recyclability and reusability.•High adsorption capacity of 84.31 mg/g is achieved in simulated nuclear wastewater.•Highest uranium adsorption speed is achieved in simulated nuclear wastewater.