Sorption of uranium using silica gel impregnated with benzoylthiourea derivatives

Benzoylthiourea derivatives (N,N-diphenyl-N-(3-methylbenzoyl)thiourea and diphenyl-N-(4-methylbenzoyl)thiourea) were impregnated onto silica gel. The preconcentration of uranium(VI) from aqueous solution was investigated. Extraction conditions were optimized in batch method prior to determination by uv-visible absorption spectrometry. The opthimum pH for quantitative adsorption is 3- 7. Quantitative recovery of uranium (VI) was achieved by stripping with 0.1 molar HCl. The effects of sorption time was studied. The contact time was studied in the range of 5 to 120 min. Equilibration time was determined as 30 min for 99%sorption of U(VI). The effects of common electrolytes and diverse ions on the recovery of U(VI) was studied. Under optimal conditions, dynamic linear range