Selective recovery of Th(Ⅳ) from radioactive rare earth waste residue by utilizing MoS_(2)-modified ion-absorbed type rare earth tailings

In the process of extracting ion-absorbed rare earth ore(IREO),the production of radioactive waste is a major environmental concern.To address this issue,MoS_(2) was used to modify ion-absorbed rare earth tailings(RET) to synthesize a novel MoS_(2)@RET composite material for the effective handling of radioactive waste generated in IREO separation industry.The composite material was thoroughly characterized using various analytical techniques,including X-ray diffraction(XRD),X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS),thermogravimetry(TG),Fourier-transform infrared(FTIR),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),Brunaue r-Emmett-Teller(BET) and energy dispersive spectroscopy(EDS).By optimizing the operating parameters,the optimal experimental conditions were determined to be pH=3,contact time=60 min,liquid-solid ratio=6 g/L,and initial concentration=150 mg/L.The adsorption data fitted well with the pseudo second-order rate model.The thermodynamic parameters concerning the adsorption of Th(Ⅳ) were analyzed and computed.Langmuir isotherm model is a more fitting choice for the adsorption process compared to the Freundlich isotherm model.MoS_(2)@RET was used in the acid leachate of IREO waste residue,achieving the separation of Th and rare earth successfully.The mechanism of Th(Ⅳ) adsorption by MoS_(2)@RET was investigated,revealing that the adsorption process involves electrostatic interactions,chemical bonding,and redox reactions.The above research results indicate that MoS_(2)@RET composite materials have application potential in the sustainable treatment of IREO radioactive waste.