Combined separation-assay method for uranium in environmental water using a polyethylene-supported phosphonate coordination polymer membrane

The extraction and accurate analysis of U are of great significance for environmental monitoring. In this study, a novel polyethylene-supported phosphonate coordination polymer membrane was fabricated via a facile one-pot method. Its adsorption process was pH dependent. The optimal percentage removal efficiency was close to 90% near neutral conditions, and the maximum adsorption capacity reached 48.6 mg g −1 . Moreover, a stable adsorbent and a combined separation–assay method for uranium from neutral condition were achieved. This study provides new insights into the fabrication and application of functionalized polymer membranes that are viable for the analysis of radionuclides in real scenarios.