3d Structure Aerogels Constructed By Reduced Graphene Oxide And Hollow Tio2 Spheres For Efficient Visible-Light-Driven Photoreduction Of U(Vi) In Air-Equilibrated Wastewater

Photocatalysis-assisted transition of uranium from the soluble U(vi) to the insoluble U(iv) is an efficient strategy for eliminating uranium. Herein, a novel 3D structure composite aerogel (3D RGO@TiO2) was applied to photoreduction of U(vi) under visible light. The introduction of RGO could expand the light absorption region and facilitate efficient charge separation of 3D RGO@TiO2. Therefore, 3D RGO@TiO2-3 (where the mass ratio of GO and H-TiO2 was 1 : 1) achieved the greatest U(vi) reduction rate (0.03752 min(-1)) that is almost five times higher than that of RGO. Meanwhile, the reaction between photogenerated electrons and superoxide radicals O-2(-) played the dominant role in reducing U(vi) to (UO2)O-2 center dot 2H(2)O in air-equilibrated wastewater. This study not only provides new insights into remediation of the radioactive environment but also proves the application prospect of the 3D RGO@TiO2 in the photocatalytic field.