Amidoxime (AO)-functionalized SBA-15 with platelet shape was synthesized.
AO-functionalized SBA-15 was an adsorbent for removal U(VI) from aqueous solution.
AO-functionalized SBA-15 has high adsorption capacity of 626 mg g−1 for U(VI).
High selectivity and stability were found for AO-functionalized SBA-15.