Direct extraction of U(VI) from a simulated saline solution by alkali-activated collagen fiber

A collagen fiber adsorbent was prepared by a modification of collagen fiber with alkali activation. The alkali-activated collagen fiber (AACF) was characterized and its adsorption mechanism was analyzed. The results demonstrated that U(VI) adsorption was mainly achieved by ion exchange and complexation coordination. Its maximum adsorption capacity reached 182.27 mg g −1 at 328.15 K, and it fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm model. The calculated thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption was a spontaneous and endothermic process. Moreover, the ultrahigh adsorption properties of AACF for U(VI) ions showed that it has high potential for the extraction of uranium from a simulated high-salinity environment.