Hydrogen bonding and phase separation cooperatively guide the self-assembly of U60 and the polymer to fabricate multiscale nanostructures

U60 (Li44K16[UO2(O2)(OH)]60, U60) and polymers are directionally enriched on the polymer surface by hydrogen bonding. In this study, we used several different polymers and U60 for self-assembly. The morphology and non-covalent interaction between core–shell nanocomplexes were studied by electron mic...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Dalton transactions : an international journal of inorganic chemistry 2023-06, Vol.52 (24), p.8361-8367
Main Authors: Hu, Jie, Yingxuan Mei, Wu, Huifen, Zhao, Yan, Wu, Dongping, Ye, Nan, Peng, Yi, Yang, Yu, Liao, Minmeng
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Block copolymers
Hydrogen bonding
Micelles
Nanocomposites
Phase separation
Polymers
Public health
Self-assembly
Toxicity
Uranium
Uranium dioxide
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:U60 (Li44K16[UO2(O2)(OH)]60, U60) and polymers are directionally enriched on the polymer surface by hydrogen bonding. In this study, we used several different polymers and U60 for self-assembly. The morphology and non-covalent interaction between core–shell nanocomplexes were studied by electron microscopy and vibration spectroscopy. Under the synergistic action of hydrogen bonding and nanometer phase separation, block copolymers and U60 formed different structures of core–shell nanocomposites. At a low concentration of U60, spherical nanocomposites with frozen structures were formed, at a high concentration of U60, stable worm-like structures, and micelles were formed. We used block copolymers to absorb U60, and after one month, about 96% of U60 could be removed from the solution. Because of uranium toxicity and long half-life, storage and transportation are important for the environment and public health. This study may open the door for further development of novel and efficient polymer self-assembly materials to adsorb and remove nuclear pollution in the environment.
ISSN:1477-9226
1477-9234
DOI:10.1039/d3dt00927k