Development of the Functionalized Nanocomposite Materials for Adsorption/Decontamination of Radioactive Pollutants

A polymer-based nanofiber membrane with a high specific surface area, high porosity and abundant adsorption sites is demonstrated for selective trapping of radionuclides. The Prussian blue (PB)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanofiber composites were successfully prepared through a one-step, single-nozzle electrospinning method. Various analytical techniques were used to examine the physical and chemical properties of PB nanoparticles and electrospun nanofibers. It is possible to enhance binding affinity and selectivity to radionuclide targets by incorporation of the PB nanoparticles into the polymer matrix. It is noteworthy that the maximum Cs-133 adsorption capacity of hte PB/PMMA nanofiber filter is approximately 28 times higher than that of bulk PB, and the removal efficiency is measured to be 95% at 1 ppm of Cs-133. In addition, adsorption kinetics shows that the PB/PMMA nanofiber has a homogenous surface for adsorption, and all sites on the surface have equal adsorption energies in terms of ion-exchange between cyano groups of the introduced PB nanoparticles and radionuclides.

Automated summary

A polymer-based nanofiber membrane with high specific surface area, porosity, and adsorption sites has been developed for selective trapping of radionuclides. Incorporating PB nanoparticles into the polymer matrix enhances binding affinity and selectivity to radionuclide targets, resulting in significantly higher adsorption capacity and removal efficiency compared to bulk PB. The adsorption kinetics show a homogeneous surface for adsorption, with all sites having equal adsorption energies for efficient ion-exchange between cyano groups of PB nanoparticles and radionuclides.