Synthesis of TBP-coated magnetic Pst-DVB particles for uranium separation

Magnetically assisted chemical separation process is an efficient method used widely in separating radionuclides and heavy metals in environmental samples. It is simple, compact and cost-effective, with less secondary waste streams. Tributyl phosphate (TBP)-coated magnetic poly (styrene-divinylbenzene) (Pst-DVB) nano-particles were synthesized and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, thermogravimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. The application of TBP-coated magnetic Pst-DVB particles in separating low concentration of uranium from aqueous media was evaluated, and the equilibrium adsorption isotherm was investigated. Our results indicate that the TBP-coated magnetic Pst-DVB particles may be of potential application for uranium separation.