Sorption of aqueous uranium(VI) ion onto a cation-exchangeable K-birnessite colloid

This paper describes the sorption behaviors of aqueous uranium ions on the K-birnessite. K-birnessite was synthesized by adding a concentrated HCl to an aqueous solution of . Physicochemical characteristics of the K-birnessite, such as structure, specific surface area and surface charge, were investigated. K-birnessite is a layered material and the ions exist in the interlayer of layered K-birnessite. BET specific surface area of the K-birnessite was 38.30 m2/g. The surface charge of K-birnessite was at pH 5.00 and ionic strength of 0.010 M , at which the sorption experiments of uranium ions were carried out. Uranium ions were incorporated into the interlayer of the K-birnessite by cation-exchange reaction with ions, and the distribution coefficient is quite similar to those of common ion-exchange materials. The results might be applicable in the retardation of migration of radioactive materials from the underground disposal site of high-level radioactive waste.