Selective removal and immobilization of cesium from aqueous solution using sludge functionalized with potassium copper hexacyanoferrate: a low-cost adsorbent

As a typical effective cesium ion removal method, this research presents a facile method of preparing potassium copper hexacyanoferrate on the surface of sludge created from refinery wastewater treatment (KCuHCFS). The IR, SEM–EDX, BET, and TGA were used to characterize the functionalized sludge KCuHCFS. On the adsorption process, the effects of Cs+ concentration, adsorbent dosage, γ-radiation, pH, time, and temperature were investigated. The KCuHCFS has a large surface area of 123 m2 g−1 and a mesoporous structure that is thermally and radiationally stable. Ion exchange between Cs+ and K+ is the most common mechanism for Cs+ elimination. KCuHCFS was successfully regenerated.