Issue 16, 2010

Efficient removal of caesium ions from aqueous solution using a calix crown ether in ionic liquids: mechanism and radiation effect

Abstract

The removal of radioactive 137Cs from nuclear waste is of great importance for both the environment and energy saving. Herein, we report a study on the removal of Cs+ using a calix crown ether bis(2-propyloxy)calix[4]crown-6 (BPC6) in ionic liquids [Cnmim][NTf2], where [Cnmim]+ is 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium and [NTf2] is bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide. The BPC6/[Cnmim][NTf2] system is highly efficient in removing Cs+ from aqueous solution, even at a low concentration of BPC6. HNO3 and metal ions such as Na+, Al3+ in the aqueous phase interfered with the extraction of Cs+ by competitive interaction with BPC6 and/or salting-out effect. UV analysis confirmed that the extraction of Cs+ by the BPC6/[Cnmim][NTf2] system involves a dual extraction mechanism, i.e., via exchange of BPC6·Cs+ complex or Cs+ by [Cnmim]+. Irradiation of [C4mim][NTf2] dramatically decreases Cs+ partitioning in the ionic liquid phase by the competitive interaction of radiation-generated H+ with BPC6, while irradiation of BPC6/[C4mim][NTf2] decreases Cs+ partitioning more markedly due to the radiolysis of BPC6.

Graphical abstract: Efficient removal of caesium ions from aqueous solution using a calix crown ether in ionic liquids: mechanism and radiation effect

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
04 Dec 2009
Accepted
19 Feb 2010
First published
17 Mar 2010

Dalton Trans., 2010,39, 3897-3902

Efficient removal of caesium ions from aqueous solution using a calix crown ether in ionic liquids: mechanism and radiation effect

C. Xu, L. Yuan, X. Shen and M. Zhai, Dalton Trans., 2010, 39, 3897 DOI: 10.1039/B925594J

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