Improvement of retention capacity of ETS-10 for uranyl ions by porosity modification and their immobilization into a titanosilicate matrix

The retention capacity of ETS-10 titanosilicate for uranyl ions was improved by generation of additional intra-crystalline porosity with formation of an extended silica-rich surface area. Chemical bonds between uranyl groups and [SiO4] tetrahedra were found. By calcination at 800 °C, the uranium-loaded ETS-10 transforms into a inert titanosilicate matrix that encapsulates uranium.