Hydrothermally synthesized carboxylic acid functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes grafted MoS2 based hybrid composites: Efficient uranium(VI) scavenging sorbents in columns, fabric and matrix membrane systems

In the present study, pure MoS2 and its composites grafted with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MoS2-MWCNT: 10–40 mg) and carboxylic acid functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MoS2-MWCNT-COOH; 10–40 mg) were synthesized using a facile hydrothermal method. MoS2 (MS) and its two composites each containing 40 mg of MWCNT (MS-C4) and MWCNT-COOH (MS-CA4) were subjected to structural, chemical and surface characterization using RAMAN, XPS, FT-IR HRTEM, FESEM, EDX and BET studies. In order to establish their adsorptive behaviour for remediation of U(VI), the systematic batch mode studies were conducted and adsorption data were analysed using different isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic models. Langmuir maximum adsorption capacity (mg/g) of three MoS2 sorbents for U(VI) follows the order as: MS-CA4 (233.38) > MS-C4 (164.85) > MS (53.77) with thermodynamic parameters describing spontaneous and endothermic nature of adsorption. The electrostatic interactions and monolayer chemisorption via coordinate complex formation are mainly responsible for U(VI) extraction from water. These findings allow to expand the promising application of MS-CA4 in environmental remediation as fillers and packing materials in fabric/PSF mixed membranes and column systems, respectively. [Display omitted] •Hybrid composites of MoS2 were successfully applied as adsorbents for U(VI) in water.•Coordinative and electrostatic interactions may be responsible U(VI) adsorption.•Isotherm and kinetic model studies revealed monolayer chemisorption process.•Composites based column and membranes serve as excellent water treatment methods.