Nuclear chemistry

Adsorption

Guanidine

Polymerization

Engineering

Uranium

Biofouling

Metallurgy

Materials science

Chromatography

Biochemistry

Chemical engineering

Geology

Oceanography

Polypropylene

Polymer

Extraction (chemistry)

Sorption

Organic chemistry

Membrane

Environmental chemistry

Nonwoven fabric

Environmental science

Fiber

Chemistry

Seawater

Pulp and paper industry

Sorbent

Glycidyl methacrylate

Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research

Uranium seawater extraction is strategically important to the sustainable development of nuclear energy. Nevertheless, a challenge remains in uranium enrichment to overcome the microorganisms’ adhesion. In this article, we propose guanidine and amidoxime cofunctionalized polypropylene nonwoven fabric for potential uranium seawater extraction with an antifouling property. Specifically, glycidyl methacrylate was first grafted onto polypropylene nonwoven fabric under γ-ray irradiation, and then reacted with dicyandiamide, and followed by amidoximation to give the functionalized sorbents. The effect of sorbent dose, contact time, and coexisting ions on uranium adsorption and antibacterial assay were investigated. The sorption equilibrium could be reached with a capacity of 112 mg/g within 5 h at pH 8.0 and 298.15 K. The uranium sorption was not affected by other coexisting ions. The antibacterial assay indicated guanidine and amidoxime cofunctionalized fabric could efficiently inhibit the adhesion of Gram-negative E. coli and have bactericidal functions. In addition, it could be regenerated with high efficiency of uranium adsorption after five cycles. This work indicates that guanidine and amidoxime cofunctionalized polypropylene nonwoven fabric may be a promising material for uranium seawater extraction.

Guanidine and Amidoxime Cofunctionalized Polypropylene Nonwoven Fabric for Potential Uranium Seawater Extraction with Antifouling Property