Selective removal of cesium ions from wastewater using copper hexacyanoferrate nanofilms in an electrochemical system

A novel electrochemical adsorption system using a nanoparticle film of copper (II) hexacyanoferrate (III) was proposed for selectively removing cesium from wastewater. This system can be used for cesium separation without extra chemical reagents or any filtration treatment. Cesium uptake and elution can be simply controlled by switching the applied potentials between anodes and cathodes. Data from batch kinetic studies well fitted the intraparticle diffusion equation, reflecting a two-step process: a steepest ascent portion followed by a plateau extending to the equilibrium. The effective cesium removal with a high distribution coefficient (Kd > 5 × 105 mL/g) can be adopted in a large pH range from 0.3 to 9.2, and in the presence of several diverse coexisting alkaline cations, suggesting it can be taken as a promising technology for actual nuclear wastewater treatment.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► CuIIHCFIII film was developed for Cs removal in an electrochemical adsorption system (EAS).
► Hydrophilic coating was achieved by covering ferrocyanide ions on CuIIHCFIII nanoparticles.
► Cs uptake and elution can be simply controlled by the EAS.
► EAS can selectively separate Cs in the presence of coexisting alkaline cations.
► Effective Cs removal can be adopted in a large pH range of 0.3–9.2.