Issue 7, 2013

Graphene oxide for effective radionuclide removal

Abstract

Here we show the efficacy of graphene oxide (GO) for rapid removal of some of the most toxic and radioactive long-lived human-made radionuclides from contaminated water, even from acidic solutions (pH < 2). The interaction of GO with actinides including Am(III), Th(IV), Pu(IV), Np(V), U(VI) and typical fission products Sr(II), Eu(III) and Tc(VII) were studied, along with their sorption kinetics. Cation/GO coagulation occurs with the formation of nanoparticle aggregates of GO sheets, facilitating their removal. GO is far more effective in removal of transuranium elements from simulated nuclear waste solutions than other routinely used sorbents such as bentonite clays and activated carbon. These results point toward a simple methodology to mollify the severity of nuclear waste contamination, thereby leading to effective measures for environmental remediation.

Graphical abstract: Graphene oxide for effective radionuclide removal

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
19 Dec 2012
Accepted
19 Dec 2012
First published
20 Dec 2012

Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2013,15, 2321-2327

Graphene oxide for effective radionuclide removal

A. Yu. Romanchuk, A. S. Slesarev, S. N. Kalmykov, D. V. Kosynkin and J. M. Tour, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2013, 15, 2321 DOI: 10.1039/C2CP44593J

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