Photocatalytic reduction mechanism of U(Ⅵ) from uranium mining wastewater by using cyano-functionalized C3N4/ZnIn2S4 heterojunction materials
Article
Xue, H, Yang, X, Yuan, F et al. (2026). Photocatalytic reduction mechanism of U(Ⅵ) from uranium mining wastewater by using cyano-functionalized C3N4/ZnIn2S4 heterojunction materials
. Environmental Chemistry, 45(4), 1570-1579. 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025122102
Xue, H, Yang, X, Yuan, F et al. (2026). Photocatalytic reduction mechanism of U(Ⅵ) from uranium mining wastewater by using cyano-functionalized C3N4/ZnIn2S4 heterojunction materials
. Environmental Chemistry, 45(4), 1570-1579. 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025122102
Uranium is a key resource for nuclear energy industry. Its mining and processing generate large amounts of uranium-containing wastewater, posing a persistent threat to the surrounding environment and human health. In this study, a cyano-functionalized C3N4/ZnIn2S4 (CCN/ZIS) heterojunction system was constructed for the efficient removal of U(Ⅵ) in uranium mining wastewater. The introduction of cyano groups significantly enhanced the adsorption of U(Ⅵ) by CCN/ZIS, achieving a maximum adsorption capacity of 123.65 mg·g−1. Additionally, a series of characterization techniques confirmed the efficient charge separation of CCN/ZIS, demonstrating that cyano groups effectively suppress charge carrier recombination. The modified material achieved complete reduction of U(Ⅵ) within 10 min under visible light, demonstrating a 20-fold efficiency increase. Even in simulated uranium mining wastewater containing high concentrations of CO32− and F−, CCN/ZIS maintained excellent performance, successfully overcoming the technical challenge of U(Ⅵ) removal efficiency being easily constrained by water quality conditions in traditional treatment processed. This study reveals the synergistic mechanism of selective U(Ⅵ) enrichment and photoreduction, achieving efficient and stable photocatalytic uranium reduction and providing theoretical innovation and technological breakthroughs for uranium pollution control.
