Umbellate distortions of the uranyl coordination environment result in a stable and porous polycatenated framework that can effectively remove cesium from aqueous solutions

J Am Chem Soc. 2015 May 20;137(19):6144-7. doi: 10.1021/jacs.5b02480. Epub 2015 May 7.

Abstract

Searching for new chemically durable and radiation-resistant absorbent materials for actinides and their fission products generated in the nuclear fuel cycle remain highly desirable, for both waste management and contamination remediation. Here we present a rare case of 3D uranyl organic framework material built through polycatenating of three sets of graphene-like layers, which exhibits significant umbellate distortions in the uranyl equatorial planes studied thoroughly by linear transit calculations. This unique structural arrangement leads to high β and γ radiation-resistance and chemical stability in aqueous solutions within a wide pH range from 3 to 12. Being equipped with the highest surface area among all actinide compounds known to date and completely exchangeable [(CH3)2NH2](+) cations in the structure, this material is able to selectively remove cesium from aqueous solutions while retaining the polycatenated framework structure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adsorption
  • Benzoic Acid / chemistry
  • Cesium / isolation & purification*
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Models, Molecular
  • Organometallic Compounds / chemistry*
  • Porosity
  • Uranium / chemistry*
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / isolation & purification*
  • Water Purification / methods

Substances

  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Cesium
  • Uranium
  • Benzoic Acid