Preparation of a dual-template ion-imprinted membrane with polyacrylonitrile framework for selective adsorption and recovery of iodide (I‐) and cesium (Cs+) from seawater

137 Cs and 131 I exhibit pronounced radiotoxicity, prolonged environmental persistence, and high mobility, posing dual threats to ecosystems and human health. The simultaneous removal of Cs + and I − using a single adsorbent is an area of growing research interest. In this study, a rationally designed dual-imprinted membrane (IPA-MC) was engineered via electrospinning and ion-imprinting technology for selective cesium and iodine adsorption. Crosslinking of zwitterionic polyethyleneimine-acrylic acid (PEI-AA) yielded hierarchical porous structures, which enhanced adsorption selectivity and capacity. Optimal adsorption performance occurred at pH 6.0, and its adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model, indicating that chemical adsorption was the dominant mechanism mechanisms. IPA-MC maintained efficient and selective adsorption in the presence of interfering ions and demonstrated excellent regeneration capacity. Synergistic amino-carboxyl interactions enhanced adsorption for Cs + and I − , with particularly high efficiency for iodine removal. This work demonstrates an effective strategy for the selective extraction of nuclides using composites through multiple interactions. These composites show significant potential for radioactive wastewater treatment applications.