Cesium removal from wastewater: High-efficient and reusable adsorbent K1.93Ti0.22Sn3S6.43

Efficient and quick removal of radioactive Cs + from wastewater is significant for the safe use of nuclear energy and human health. A novel adsorbent K 1.93 Ti 0.22 Sn 3 S 6.43 (KTSS) was developed for Cs + removal from complex natural water systems. The working mechanism of KTSS for removing Cs + was the synergistic effect of ion exchange and the Cs⋯S binding, which was proved by several characterization techniques. KTSS showed ultrafast kinetics for Cs + adsorption within 1 min with a removal rate of 99%. Meanwhile, KTSS exhibited a higher adsorption capacity of 450.12 mg/g than many other adsorbents to remove Cs + and possessed excellent chemical stability in a wide pH range of 3–12. Thanks to the natural affinity arising from the S 2− ligands, KTSS displayed excellent selectivity for Cs + even in different complex water systems. The separation factors between Cs + and the coexisting ions of Na + , K + , Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ were ranged from 408.61 to 7448.20. Fortunately, by eluting with NaNO 3 the adsorbent could realize the green regeneration and cyclic utilization. Furthermore, it was found that KTSS had tremendous advantages in the removal of Cs + in comparison with the other adsorbents. Consequently, it should be considered that KTSS obtained in this study has great potential in applying ultrafast and high-efficient removal of Cs + from wastewater.