Phytic acid-induced amorphous and porous transformation of MnO2@GO with enhanced capacitive performance for efficient uranium removal via capacitive deionization

Addressing uranium-contaminated wastewater is crucial for environmental protection and public health. This study introduces an innovative and efficient capacitive deionization (CDI) method for extracting U(VI) from wastewater, utilizing a phytic acid (PA)-modified MnO 2 @GO aerogel as the electrode material. The incorporation of PA effectively disrupts the dense crystalline structure of MnO 2 , transforming it into an amorphous and porous framework. This structural change significantly enhances the specific surface area by approximately 450 % and creates more active sites for ion adsorption. Electrochemical characterization reveals that the PA modification improves capacitive performance by enhancing capacitance and reducing charge transfer resistance. Consequently, the PA-MnO 2 @GO aerogel exhibits excellent electrochemical properties and enhanced capacitive deionization performance, enabling rapid U(VI) removal under low voltage in a CDI cell configuration. This CDI cell achieves a maximum U(VI) removal capacity of 636 mg g −1 . Furthermore, the material demonstrates exceptional cycling stability and selectivity, maintaining approximately 83 % of its initial removal capacity after 20 cycles and exhibiting high adsorption efficiency even in the presence of interfering ions. This research presents an economical and effective novel approach for uranium extraction from radioactive wastewater using CDI technology, significantly contributing to the safe utilization of nuclear energy and environmental conservation.