MOF-decorated track-etched membranes for the U(VI) ions sorption removal
Rakisheva S.R. Mashentseva A.A. Yessengaliyeva N.B. Barsbay M. Abuova F.U. Zheltov D.A.
December 2025Nature Research
Scientific Reports
2025#15Issue 1
This study presents the development of metal–organic framework functionalized track-etched membranes (MOF@TeMs) as efficient adsorbents for uranium(VI) removal from water. Poly(N-vinylformamide) was grafted onto PET membranes by UV-induced RAFT polymerization, hydrolyzed to poly(vinylamine), and further modified with terminal alkyne groups. Chromium-based MIL-101 MOFs were post-synthetically functionalized with azide groups and covalently immobilized onto the membrane surface through copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition. This covalent click-immobilization strategy provided a stable integration of MOFs onto polymer track-etched membranes, which has not been demonstrated previously for uranium(VI) sorption. Comprehensive characterization, including FTIR, XPS, SEM/EDX, BET, and contact angle, confirmed each modification step and successful MOF integration. The resulting composites displayed a uranium adsorption capacity of 418 mg g–1 at pH 6.3, with kinetics following a pseudo-second-order model and isotherm fitting best to the Freundlich equation, indicating heterogeneous sorption sites. The Dubinin–Radushkevich model yielded an adsorption energy of 14.4 kJ·mol–1, consistent with coordination-driven interactions. Despite the relatively long equilibrium time (96 h), the membranes retained 70% of their capacity after five regeneration cycles and showed strong selectivity for U(VI) over competing cations (Co2+, Cr2+, Pb2+, Zr2+, Zn2+). The membrane architecture offers mechanical stability, reusability, and ease of handling, highlighting the potential of MOF-immobilized TeMs as practical sorbents for uranium remediation.
MIL-101(Cr) , MOF , Sorption removal , Track-etched membranes , U(VI) ions
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Department of Nuclear Physics, New Materials, and Technologies, L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana, 010008, Kazakhstan
The Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Almaty, 050032, Kazakhstan
Polymer Chemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, Hacettepe University, Ankara, 06800, Turkey
Department of Nuclear Physics
The Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Polymer Chemistry Division
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