Synthesis of PAO NFs and the adsorption for uranium (VI) in alkaline solution

In this study, the optimum spinning conditions were determined by orthogonal experiment, and polyamide oxime nanofibers (PAO NFs) with excellent morphology and adsorption were prepared by electrospinning oxime solution. PAO NFs were characterized by SEM, FTIR, NMR and elemental analysis. The effects of time, solid–liquid ratio, pH, ionic strength, initial concentration and temperature on U(VI) adsorption on PAO NFs were studied. U(VI) adsorption on PAO NFs fitted well by the pseudo first/second-order kinetic model and Langmuir model with linear equation. The maximum adsorption was 118 mg/g. Uranyl ion was coordinated with oxime oxygen and amine nitrogen of the amidoxime group. PAO NFs is expected to extract uranium from seawater efficiently and economically.