Synthesis of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 from Waste Electrodes via Ball Milling for Efficient Uranium Removal

Developing a cost-effective approach for the remediation of wastewater containing uranyl [U(VI)] ions is essentially important to ecosystems and human health. In this study, a Zn-based ZIF-8 framework was fabricated from wasted batteries through an environmentally friendly ball milling process featu...

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Main Authors: Minhua Su, Jinyao Zhu, Ruoning Wu, Jiaqi Pan, Jingran Yang, Jiaxue Zhao, Diyun Chen, Changzhong Liao, Kaimin Shih, Shengshou Ma
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Separations
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2297-8739/12/2/40
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author Minhua Su
Jinyao Zhu
Ruoning Wu
Jiaqi Pan
Jingran Yang
Jiaxue Zhao
Diyun Chen
Changzhong Liao
Kaimin Shih
Shengshou Ma
author_facet Minhua Su
Jinyao Zhu
Ruoning Wu
Jiaqi Pan
Jingran Yang
Jiaxue Zhao
Diyun Chen
Changzhong Liao
Kaimin Shih
Shengshou Ma
author_sort Minhua Su
collection DOAJ
description Developing a cost-effective approach for the remediation of wastewater containing uranyl [U(VI)] ions is essentially important to ecosystems and human health. In this study, a Zn-based ZIF-8 framework was fabricated from wasted batteries through an environmentally friendly ball milling process featuring a distinct microstructure compared to those synthesized from commercial Zn(II) sources. The as-obtained Zn-based ZIF-8 framework can effectively remove U(VI) ions from water, and a high removal efficiency of up to 99% is achieved across different process parameters, including initial dosage, pH values, and the presence of interfering ions. The superior U(VI) removal performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of microstructural features (e.g., crystallite size, specific surface area and pore diameter) and chemical interaction within the framework of Zn-based ZIF-8, resulting in the formation of the U···N chelates. This study integrates waste upcycling and hazardous U(VI) removal in an environmentally sound way, thereby promoting a circular economy.
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issn 2297-8739
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series Separations
spelling doaj-art-5760bc25313f4ad8a49c5c364cd5d1112025-08-20T03:12:04ZengMDPI AGSeparations2297-87392025-02-011224010.3390/separations12020040Synthesis of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 from Waste Electrodes via Ball Milling for Efficient Uranium RemovalMinhua Su0Jinyao Zhu1Ruoning Wu2Jiaqi Pan3Jingran Yang4Jiaxue Zhao5Diyun Chen6Changzhong Liao7Kaimin Shih8Shengshou Ma9School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, ChinaSchool of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, ChinaShandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266000, ChinaSchool of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, ChinaSchool of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, ChinaSchool of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, ChinaSchool of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Featured Metal Materials and Life-Cycle Safety for Composite Structures, MOE Key Laboratory of New Processing Technology for Nonferrous Metals and Materials, School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, ChinaDepartment of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, ChinaDepartment of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, ChinaDeveloping a cost-effective approach for the remediation of wastewater containing uranyl [U(VI)] ions is essentially important to ecosystems and human health. In this study, a Zn-based ZIF-8 framework was fabricated from wasted batteries through an environmentally friendly ball milling process featuring a distinct microstructure compared to those synthesized from commercial Zn(II) sources. The as-obtained Zn-based ZIF-8 framework can effectively remove U(VI) ions from water, and a high removal efficiency of up to 99% is achieved across different process parameters, including initial dosage, pH values, and the presence of interfering ions. The superior U(VI) removal performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of microstructural features (e.g., crystallite size, specific surface area and pore diameter) and chemical interaction within the framework of Zn-based ZIF-8, resulting in the formation of the U···N chelates. This study integrates waste upcycling and hazardous U(VI) removal in an environmentally sound way, thereby promoting a circular economy.https://www.mdpi.com/2297-8739/12/2/40uranium removalZIF-8ball millingwaste upcyclingcircular economy
spellingShingle Minhua Su
Jinyao Zhu
Ruoning Wu
Jiaqi Pan
Jingran Yang
Jiaxue Zhao
Diyun Chen
Changzhong Liao
Kaimin Shih
Shengshou Ma
Synthesis of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 from Waste Electrodes via Ball Milling for Efficient Uranium Removal
Separations
uranium removal
ZIF-8
ball milling
waste upcycling
circular economy
title Synthesis of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 from Waste Electrodes via Ball Milling for Efficient Uranium Removal
title_full Synthesis of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 from Waste Electrodes via Ball Milling for Efficient Uranium Removal
title_fullStr Synthesis of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 from Waste Electrodes via Ball Milling for Efficient Uranium Removal
title_full_unstemmed Synthesis of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 from Waste Electrodes via Ball Milling for Efficient Uranium Removal
title_short Synthesis of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 from Waste Electrodes via Ball Milling for Efficient Uranium Removal
title_sort synthesis of zeolitic imidazolate framework 8 from waste electrodes via ball milling for efficient uranium removal
topic uranium removal
ZIF-8
ball milling
waste upcycling
circular economy
url https://www.mdpi.com/2297-8739/12/2/40
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