Synthesis and sorption properties towards Sr-90 of composite sorbents based on magnetite and hematite

Abstract

The article describes the synthesis of composite sorbents by immobilizing iron oxide in a polymer matrix with subsequent hydrothermal treatment at a temperature of 175 °C. The sorbents based on magnetite and hematite were synthesized, their magnetic properties and phase composition were evaluated, and the iron content was determined. Sorption characteristics of the composites towards microconcentrations of Sr-90 radionuclide in solutions with different mineralization and pH were investigated. It was shown that the sorbent based on magnetite was the most efficient. In alkaline media with pH above 11, the composite sorbent based on magnetite exhibited increased selectivity towards Sr-90 and proved to be suitable for application under dynamic sorption conditions with subsequent desorption of the radionuclide with a solution of HNO3.