Phosphorylated cellulose carbamate for highly effective capture of U(VI)

A novel phosphorylated cellulose carbamate (PCC- x ) by introducing urea into the functionalized reaction is demonstrated. The effects of urea content on the structures and U(VI) adsorption properties of PCC- x are investigated. The results indicate that urea provides new amino sites along cellulose chains and plays a decisive role in the phosphorylation modification of cellulose carbamate. When the content of urea is optimized, the sample possesses the maximum degree of phosphorylation, resulting in the excellent U(VI) adsorption properties, including high adsorption capacity (1006.9 mg·g −1 at pH = 5 and T  = 298 K), fast adsorption dynamics, good adsorption selectivity and reusability. Graphical abstract Phosphorylated cellulose carbamate for highly effective capture of U(VI)