Large-scale synthesis of nano Cu2O/Cu-C for iodide removal in a novel countercurrent two-stage adsorption and membrane separator system

A synthesis method was introduced for the large-scale preparation of a nano Cu2O/Cu-modified activated carbon composite, L-nano Cu2O/Cu-C. As the adsorbent, the synthesized composite could efficiently remove radioactive iodide ions (I-) from simulated water. A lab-scale integrated novel countercurrent two-stage adsorption and membrane separator system was designed to assess the practical application of L-nano Cu2O/Cu-C. Stable and high I- removal efficiency was achieved during the operation of the system. The effluent met the water quality requirements, and the membrane fouling rate was lower. This study provides a potential process to treat water contaminated with radioactive I- in practical applications.