Uranyl ion binding properties of poly(hydroxamic acid) hydrogels

Poly(hydroxamic acid) (PHA) hydrogels, obtained from the synthesis of cross linked poly(acrylamide) (PAAm) gels have been prepared, and their uranyl io n binding properties from two different sources were investigated. Swelling and binding parameters of crosslinked PHA gels were determined from swelli ng and uranyl ion adsorption studies. The effect of uranyl ion concentratio n, pH, temperature and mass of adsorbent on the uranyl ion adsorption were examined. The binding process between PHA and uranyl ions complies with the S type adsorption according to Giles classification. Free energies of the adsorptions found as negative values indicating spontaneous adsorption proc ess. The structure and hydrophilicity of the used crosslinkers, the ionogen ity of PHA polymers and the source of uranyl ions found to be effective on the swelling and binding behaviors of PHA hydrogels.