New phosphonic acid derivatives for uranium and rare earth metals separation

The aim of the project is to develop approaches for the synthesis of new, advanced functional ligands and their immobilization on the carriers for the specific complexation of uranium and rare-earth metals.

A series of novel; phosphorus, sulfur and nitrogen containing functional ligands that can be immobilized onto lignin/inorganic oxide surface will be synthesized.

The influence of the surface chemistry will be investigated by comparing the modification of a porous silica surface, a silica surface with a lignin coating and initial lignin macromolecule.

The sorption properties and selectivity of the synthesized functional materials towards uranium(VI) and rare-earth metals over other heavy metals will be investigated. Special attention will be given to the stability of the functional surface layer in harsh conditions.

Investigation of the crystal structures of uranium and selected rare-earth element complexes is of particular importance in this project. Model metal-complex crystals will be synthesized and studied. Theoretical calculations and modeling will be employed to confirm the experimental data.

From a fundamental point of view, the project will advance the field of uranium and rare earth metal coordination chemistry as well as broaden our understanding of metal-complex organization on inorganic/lignin surfaces.

The synthesized materials have potential applications in separation processes, metal recovery, and as components in geological barriers.