Co-condensation Synthesis of a Novel DCH18C6-functionalized Organosilica for Strontium Adsorption

A novel kind of organosilica functionalized with dicyclohexano-18-crown-6 (DCH18C6) was synthesized in this study. The DCH18C6 molecule, well known as an excellent complexing agent of strontium, was modified for chemical bonding to the organosilica matrix via a co-condensation approach. 29Si and 13C solid-state NMR, ESEM and N2 adsorption-desorption measurement were employed to characterize the organosilica's structure and surface properties. The functionalized organosilica showed favourable adsorption capacity to the strontium, and the distribution coefficient (Kd) of 114.5 cm3/g could be obtained in 1 mol/L HNO3 solution. This novel functionalized organosilica might be potentially used for the separation of the strontium in radioactive liquid waste.