Efficient Removal of [UO2]2+, Cs+, and Sr2+ Ions by Radiation-Resistant Gallium Thioantimonates

Unconventional ion exchangers can achieve efficient removal of [UO2]2+, Cs+, and Sr2+ ions from complex aqueous solutions and are of great interest for environmental remediation. We report two new gallium thioantimonates, [Me2NH2]2­[Ga2Sb2S7]·H2O (FJSM-GAS-1) and [Et2NH2]2­[Ga2Sb2S7]·H2O (FJSM-GAS-2), which present excellent ion exchange properties for [UO2]2+, Cs+, and Sr2+ ions. They exhibit high ion exchange capacities for [UO2]2+, Cs+, and Sr2+ ions (qmU = 196 mg/g, qmCs = 164 mg/g, and qmSr = 80 mg/g for FJSM-GAS-1, qmU = 144 mg/g for FJSM-GAS-2) and short equilibrium times for [UO2]2+ ion exchange (5 min for FJSM-GAS-1 and 15 min for FJSM-GAS-2, respectively). Both compounds display active ion exchange with [UO2]2+ in the pH range of 2.9–10.5. Moreover, the sulfide compounds could maintain high distribution coefficients KdU even in the presence of excess Na+, Ca2+, and HCO3–. The distribution coefficient KdU of 6.06 × 106 mL/g exhibited by FJSM-GAS-1 is the highest among the reported U adsorbents. The [UO2]2+-laden products can be recycled by conveniently eluting the uranium with a low-cost method. These advantages combined with facile synthesis, as well as β and γ radiation resistance, make FJSM-GAS-1 and FJSM-GAS-2 promising for selective separations in nuclear waste remediation.