Selective removal and immobilization of cesium from aqueous solution using sludge functionalized with potassium copper hexacyanoferrate: a low-cost adsorbent

As a typical effective cesium ion removal method, this research presents a facile method of preparing potassium copper hexacyanoferrate on the surface of sludge created from refinery wastewater treatment (KCuHCFS). The IR, SEM-EDX, BET, and TGA were used to characterize the functionalized sludge KCuHCFS. On the adsorption process, the effects of Cs+ concentration, adsorbent dosage, gamma-radiation, pH, time, and temperature were investigated. The KCuHCFS has a large surface area of 123 m(2) g(-1) and a mesoporous structure that is thermally and radiationally stable. Ion exchange between Cs+ and K+ is the most common mechanism for Cs+ elimination. KCuHCFS was successfully regenerated.

Automated summary

This research presents a facile method of preparing potassium copper hexacyanoferrate on the surface of sludge created from refinery wastewater treatment for effective cesium ion removal. The functionalized sludge KCuHCFS has a large surface area and mesoporous structure, showing stability during the adsorption process. Ion exchange between Cs+ and K+ is the main mechanism for cesium ion elimination, and successful regeneration of the adsorbent was achieved.